Here’s the scoop. The Oakland Raiders have been disappointing as a whole. From a fan perspective or a fantasy perspective, the Raiders have been pathetic. Early this summer, people were discussing them in potential for the top spot in the AFC West. Well, it’s not looking good, sorry Raiders fans. But okay, we know the Raiders stink, but the important thing is can ANYONE on that team provide value to your fantasy team? Let’s evaluate.
I’m going to start out by giving my flat out answer: Yes but no. Here’s the thing with the Oakland Raiders as a whole right now, they are very up and down. More down than up if you will. That goes for the individual players too. Derek Carr is in the middle of the pack this year in the quarterback position for fantasy. He’s either going to give you a high 20 point game/low 30 point game or he’s going to get you 10 points and nothing more. Is that capable of starting? That’s for you decide. Just recognize the risk in starting someone like Carr. That’s the same for Amari Cooper and Marshawn Lynch. Cooper is the most hot and cold receiver in the entire NFL and his fantasy numbers show it. Lynch is actually the 8th best fantasy running back through the first 4 weeks. His increase in workload is helping with that but the major question right now is if he can keep it up. Leave Lynch in as a flex option right now. Give him one more week before you put him at RB2. Do not even bother starting the Raiders defense, they have one of the worst defenses in the league. The one guy who you must start right now is tight end Jared Cook who is currently the number 1 fantasy tight end. He is the most targeted tight end in the league and if things stay the same then he should get you at least 10+ per week, which is what you want out of a tight end.
In review, Jared Cook is the only (somewhat) guarantee to leave in as a starter. Lynch could only benefit your team as long as he keeps finding the end zone. When it comes to Carr, Cooper, and others feel free to give them a shot but it’s at your own risk. For now, enjoy this video below of Jon Gruden saying back on September 19th how finding a great pass rusher is hard even though they had the best one in the league in Khalil Mack to start the season and then traded him to the Chicago Bears.
Rumblin', Bumblin', Stumblin', Fantasy Football 