Monday Night Football prop bet #3: Derek Carr UNDER 35.5 passing attempts (-105)
While this is not the most popular thing to write on an LA Chargers website, I must admit that I have always thought Derek Carr did not get the credit he deserved. He is by no means an elite quarterback, but he is much bettre than given credit for and that it showing itself thus far this year.
Carr has played pretty well against some tough defenses. The Chargers have a tough passing defense and while it might not be as good as Pittsburgh's, it has had some success in slowing down some high-powered offenses in Dallas and Kansas City.
That being said, the passing attempt line for Derek Carr seems a bit high. I think he will end up being just fine in this game but I do not see him throwing it 36 times. In theory, that contradicts my prediction that the Bolts will score against Gus Bradley, but let me explain.
The first thing to consider is the Chargers' run defense. The team is going to be without Justin Jones and Kenneth Murray, who has been bad but is still a bruising inside linebacker. The run defense in LA is rough and even without Josh Jacobs, the Raiders will run the football.
The other aspect of this is the time of possession. The Chargers have done great in piecing together long drives and keeping the other team off the field. With how much the Raiders will likely run the ball, all the Bolts need is one or two quick stops on defense and it is hard to see Carr getting to 36 attempts.
There are also sacks and scrambles to consider. Joey Bosa is going to feast against Alex Leatherwood and the difference in the over and under could be a few sacks or 1-2 times that Carr scrambles and keeps it himself.
I know this goes against Jon Gruden's passing style but sometimes it is the props you don't expect to hit that hit the easiest.