The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders — Derek Carr

The Oakland Raiders may have brought in running back Marshawn Lynch to address their needs on the ground, but the entirety of focus still remains with quarterback Derek Carr.

Carr, who helped turn the Raiders from a laughingstock into a serious playoff contender, will look to avoid the devastating leg injury that doomed Oakland’s chances for a lengthy postseason run. One can only imagine what the Raiders could have done had Carr remained healthy.

With general manager Reggie McKenzie making some notable upgrades for a questionable defense via the NFL Draft, the pressure is now on Carr and Co. to take Oakland to the next level.

One of the storylines to watch here, though, will be how well the team responds to knowing their time in Oakland is coming to a close.

The Raiders will be in Las Vegas a few years from now, and Carr would like nothing more than to bring the City of Oakland a championship.

That should be enough reason to watch the silver and black in 2017.