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The Las Vegas Raiders had one of their most successful seasons of the past few years, as they made the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season. Unfortunately, the Raiders were bested by the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card round, though there was no shame in losing to the eventual AFC champions.
Plus, Las Vegas managed to find their way into the playoffs after losing their head coach, Jon Gruden, who resigned earlier in the year after some questionable comments he made came to light. How did the Raiders follow up such a year this offseason?
They went out and signed Chandler Jones, a consistent sack artist in the NFL. They also traded for former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, one of the best at his position in the league.
The Raiders' excellent passing attack should be just as good- if not better- in the 2022 NFL season under the watchful eye of new head coach and offensive wizard Josh McDaniels. The defense has the potential to be opportunistic.
However, it won't be easy to compete in the AFC West, with the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs, the improved Los Angeles Chargers and the Russell Wilson-led Denver Broncos standing in their way.
Still, the Raiders should have as good a chance as any team in the division to make the playoffs on the back of their strong offense. That said, here are three way too early predictions for the Raiders in the 2022 NFL season.
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Raiders Way Too Early Predictions For 2022 NFL Season
3. Davante Adams helps Raiders field the league's number-one passing attack
The Raiders ranked sixth in the NFL in passing yards per game in 2021. They legitimately had one of the best air attacks in the league. Now, with McDaniels, an expert play-caller, and Adams, an alpha wideout, in the picture, the Raiders should be even better in 2022.
In each of the last two seasons, Adams has tallied no less than 115 catches, 1300 yards and double-digit touchdowns. He has earned All-Pro honors in each of those campaigns. In Green Bay, defenses could get away with doubling Adams at times.
In Las Vegas, defenses won't dare, with star tight end Darren Waller and rising star Hunter Renfrow on the field as well. It's a pick-your-poison offensive attack.
Plus, McDaniels, whose offenses with the New England Patriots ranked inside the top-10 in all but one of his 14 seasons calling the plays there, will be at the controls.
The pieces are there for the Raiders' offense to be the best in the league through the air. They'll do just that in 2o22.
2. Derek Carr throws for 35-plus touchdown passes
This ties into the first point. If the Raiders are going to have the number-one passing attack, Derek Carr had better have a good year, right?
He'll do more than that in 2022. Carr legitimately has the best group of pass-catchers he's ever had in his NFL career. Adams is an All-Pro wideout, one who also has experience playing with Carr from their college days at Fresno State. Renfrow is a rising star at the slot receiver position who has developed excellent chemistry with the Raiders signal-caller.
Waller is one of the best receiving threats at the tight end spot and a premier red zone threat. Plus, Carr will be playing in McDaniel' offense, one that he seems very excited to play in.
Carr's previous career-high in touchdown passes is 32, set back in 2015. The Raiders quarterback will rewrite his own personal record book in 2022, firing 35-plus touchdown passes.
1. The Raiders make the playoffs for the second straight year
This will be a tall order. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have won the division for the past six years, advancing to two Super Bowls while winning one. Kansas City may have lost some firepower in the form of Tyreek Hill, but don't be surprised if the Chiefs aren't any worse for the wear in 2022.
The Los Angeles Chargers fielded one of the league's best offenses last year, led by rising star and quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the defense repeatedly let the team down. That might not be a problem in 2022, with Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson joining the mix. The Chargers could legitimately win this division.
Then, there's the Denver Broncos. Denver traded for former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, immediately throwing their hat into the ring of AFC contenders with the move. With a capable defense and a solid group of pass-catchers, Wilson has a chance to take this Broncos team to special places.
With all those worthy contenders, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Raiders post a winning record- and miss the playoffs. However, they will find a way to make it into the postseason for the second consecutive season.
