After a week off, the Las Vegas Raiders are back in action in New York this week to face the Giants. Who should you start, or sit, this week?
Quarterback
Derek Carr really bounced back in the past two games, putting up solid numbers. Even playing as well as he has, his fantasy ceiling is still relatively low. Carr is not a bad starter, especially this week against a bad Giants defense. That said, he is on the lower end of the starting-caliber fantasy quarterbacks in the league.
Running Back
Josh Jacobs has been a solid fantasy option when he’s been healthy. That is a huge caveat, though. He has missed two games this year entirely and has been banged up in others. That has kept his numbers looking good, but not great. With the bye week, this might be the healthiest that Jacobs has been since Week 1. If so, we could see him finally eclipse 20 fantasy points for the first time this year. However, Jacobs’ is still a bit untrustworthy, making him a low-end RB1 this week.
As far as the other backs go, it’s hit or miss. Kenyan Drake is a low-end flex option. He will probably need a touchdown to reach double digits in leagues that do not offer full-point PPR. Looking at Jalen Richard, there isn’t any value there at this point.
Wide Receiver
I’ll be honest. I have been dreading this part. What happened this past week with Henry Ruggs III was an awful tragedy far bigger than sports. My heart goes out to everyone involved and their families. Nevertheless, the Raiders still have a game to play tomorrow, and a key contributor is no longer with the team. That will have an impact on fantasy.
The biggest increase in production should come to Bryan Edwards. He is now the only true outside receiver the Raiders have outside of guys being brought up from the practice squad. The South Carolina product might see more deep shots come his way. His receiving yards should be where we see the biggest increase. Targets should increase marginally, but his chances of scoring increase significantly. I view Edwards as a strong flex option this week.
Hunter Renfrow is where you will see the increase in volume. Also, look for him to get some more looks on screens and end-arounds. He is now the de facto ‘speed guy’ of this receiver group. Given his already consistent production, he now becomes a high-end WR2.
As for the rest of the group, the only guy worth even roster consideration would be Zay Jones. He is unplayable at the moment. In all honesty, Jones probably isn’t worth taking a flier on until we find out if the Raiders bring in DeSean Jackson, or Odell Beckham Jr., or someone else.
Tight End
Darren Waller appears to be healthy and ready to go. He should be back to being one of the most dominant players in the league. His fantasy stats could be helped or hindered by the release of Ruggs. He could see more deep targets and be used as an outside receiver more. On the other hand, he could end up getting more attention from opposing defenses. Regardless, he’s still an elite fantasy tight end.
Foster Moreau got a chance to shine in Waller’s absence in week seven, and he took advantage of it. His six receptions in that game were more than his entire season total heading in. If Waller does start moving out wide more, Moreau could see a lot more action. He is probably not worth starting this week unless you are shorthanded at the position, but he is worth keeping an eye on.
Kicker
Daniel Carlson continues to be one of the top kickers in fantasy football. Heading into this week, Carlson figures to have another good game. The Raiders’ offense should roll over the Giants’ defense. Carlson should have plenty of opportunities to score. However, it could be more extra points than field goals. Also, East Rutherford in November is not ideal for long field goals. Carlson is a safe pick this week because of his high floor but don’t expect a monster game.
Defense
The Raiders defense is just not a good fantasy defense. They don’t consistently generate a lot of sacks and turnovers. Also, their offensive prowess leads to opposing teams opening up their offenses to keep up. Even against a bad Giants team, the Raiders defense will be lucky to put up more than five points.
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*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images