By Anthony Licciardi
Having the worst quarterback in the arms race that is the AFC West feels like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
Sure, Derek Carr is a nice quarterback, but it’s been clear for a long time that he can’t win on his own. Help was needed, and help was acquired.
Enter Davante Adams. Alongside edge rusher Chandler Jones, Adams headlines an offseason that thrusted Las Vegas Raiders into win now mode. It’s a bold strategy, but it’s the Raider way.
Adams and Carr, teammates at Fresno State back when college football conferences meant something, are a dynamic duo getting the chance to shine out West once again. The remote stuck in the coach has been found, the play button has been pressed, and Raiders fans can sit back and watch the art form that is Adams’ technique.
It sounds nice, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it won’t matter if Darren Waller doesn’t hold his own.
Waller returning to elite form can win the West for Las Vegas.
Waller is coming off of his first let down season since he broke out in 2019. After two years of over 1,100 yards, Waller missed time and saw a decrease in production. He set three-year lows in receptions per game, yards per game, yards per target, and catch percentage. His return to planet Earth coincided with a Las Vegas offense that couldn’t get it done come playoff time.
Now healthy, Waller has a shot to rebound. He’s the same 6-foot-6, 4.46 40-yard dash athlete that has dominated in recent seasons. With Adams’ gravity and Hunter Renfrow’s development, Waller has a chance to make his presence felt over the middle of the field. Commit to him and another talented playmaker is bound to be open.
And if he needed any more motivation, he may be playing for a new contract this season. He has two years remaining on a four-year, $29.8 million deal, a contract he has easily surpassed the value of. Talks have stalled, but Waller will be on the field, potentially creating leverage for himself at the negotiating table.
Currently, DraftKings is offering -135 odds on Waller surpassing 850.5 receiving yards, meaning an $100 wager would net you $74.07. On the other hand, Las Vegas’ odds to win the division are set at +650. The Raiders can surprise folks outside of Sin City, but not without Waller’s ability to exceed expectations.