Las Vegas Raiders: Post-2022 Bye Week Bold Predictions

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Raiders 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Raiders 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: Post-2022 Bye Week Bold Predictions

Bold Prediction #2: Josh Jacobs proves his worth

Josh Jacobs has looked like a bonafide top-3 NFL running back through the Raiders’ first five games. Boasting the league’s highest PFF grade for a running back (90.4), Jacobs has racked up 489 total rushing yards5.4-yards per-carry carry clip. Those numbers are good for third-best in the entire league.

Both players ahead of Jacobs in total yards have played 6 games to Jacobs’ 5.

Of those 489 yards, 381 of them have come after first contact. What that means is that despite any struggles from the offensive line, Jcanble to create yardage when there is not much to be had.

In the past two contests, the former Alabama running back has combined for 298 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. The only other Raiders’ running backs to rush for 140+ yards in back-to-back games are Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson.

The 2019 first-round pick is not going to slow down anytime soon. Fully healthy for the first time since the beginning of his second season, Jacobs is showing the front office why not picking up his fifth-year option may have been a mistake.

If the Raiders can turn their season around and clinch a playoff berth, don’t be surprised to see Jacobs as a prime candidate for offensive player of the year.