NFL Oakland RaidersSeattle Seahawks

5 Bold Predictions For Raiders vs. Seahawks

5 Bold Predictions For Raiders vs. Seahawks

Robert Turbin Seattle Seahawks Oakland Raiders
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After a hard fought road victory against the Carolina Panthers, the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) return home to face the winless Oakland Raiders (0-7) this weekend. While most chalk this up as a win for the Seahawks, the team almost lost in a similar situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. In other words, this is the NFL and you never know what could happen. Here are my five bold predictions for this matchup.

5. Richard Sherman Will Pick Off His First Two Passes Of The Season

Richard Sherman Seattle Seahawks
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5. Richard Sherman Will Pick Off His First Two Passes Of The Season

Richard Sherman Seattle Seahawks
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Since Richard Sherman became a starter in the middle of the 2011 season, he's amassed a remarkable 20 interceptions. But he doesn't have a single one in 2014, and part of that is due to the fact that he hasn't been targeted very much. That could change on Sunday when rookie Derek Carr comes to town. The Raiders don't have much of a running game, so Carr will be taking his chances and doesn't know any better than to try Sherman. He'll regret it.

4. Khalil Mack Will Record His First Two Sacks In The NFL

Khalil Mack Oakland Raiders
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4. Khalil Mack Will Record His First Two Sacks In The NFL

Khalil Mack Oakland Raiders
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One of the few bright spots of this Raiders team is the play of rookie linebacker Khalil Mack, the No. 5 overall pick in this past year's NFL Draft. Mack is on pace for 98 tackles, and he's shown great instincts and athleticism. As well as the rookie has played, though, he has yet to record an NFL sack. Fortunately, Mack faces a shaky Seahawks offensive line, and he should find himself in the backfield to sack Russell Wilson more than once.

3. Russell Wilson Will Account For All Of Seattle's Touchdowns

Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks Oakland Raiders
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3. Russell Wilson Will Account For All Of Seattle's Touchdowns

Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks Oakland Raiders
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While the defending Super Bowl champions have a less than impressive record, quarterback Russell Wilson has played exceptional. In addition to having his best passing season, the third-year star has more rushing yards than any other quarterback in the NFL with 362. Wilson will toss a few touchdowns and probably run for another against a weak Raiders defense.

2. Derek Carr Will Lead The Game In Passing Yards

Derek Carr Oakland Raiders
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2. Derek Carr Will Lead The Game In Passing Yards

Derek Carr Oakland Raiders
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The Raiders actually beat the Seahawks during the preseason, and quarterback Derek Carr's impressive performance against Seattle's defense won him the starting job as a rookie. Carr shredded the Seahawks all game long, and he should be able to move the ball against them again on Sunday. He'll throw for a lot of yards because he'll likely be playing from behind, but he'll also probably turn the ball over a few times against the Seahawks.

1. Seahawks Win 31-16

Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawks
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1. Seahawks Win 31-16

Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawks
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It's simple. The Seahawks are the better team, they're playing at home and the defense has regained some swagger following their best performance of the year against the Carolina Panthers. Derek Carr puts a few drives together, but most of them end in field goals rather than touchdowns. Seahawks win comfortably, 31-16.

Connor Frederickson is a Seattle Seahawks Writer for www.RantSports.com. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @cfredrun or add him to your network on Google.

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