Is there anyone from the Las Vegas Raiders worth starting in Week 10 for fantasy football?
Quarterback
There is no doubt that Derek Carr was at his worst last week. Now, 296 passing yards isn’t bad; but two interceptions and a lost fumble drove his performance down. This week offers Carr a great opportunity to bounce back. He is still third amongst quarterbacks in passing yards. The Kansas City Chiefs allow the second-most points per game against quarterbacks. It is concerning that Carr only has 13 passing touchdowns but he should start nonetheless against such a poor defense. In two games against the Chiefs last season, Carr threw for a total 622 yards and six touchdowns. I’d bet on numbers like those to occur.
Running Backs
Believe it or not, Kenyan Drake has been the 15th highest scoring running back in the last four weeks. Drake has totaled 252 yards, 11 receptions, and three touchdowns in that span. Josh Jacobs has shown improvement as well lately. His total yards aren’t impressive, but he’s coming off his best game so far, where he had 95 yards on 17 touches. The Chiefs defense is 18th against running backs but allows the sixth-most receiving yards to that position. Both backs deserve a start but, Drake has a higher upside because of his pass-catching ability.
Wide ReceiversÂ
The Chiefs surprisingly allow the eighth-least points per game against wide receivers. However, that should not keep you away from starting Hunter Renfrow. Renfrow has 14 catches, 107 yards, and a touchdown in his last two games. That said, he should be the only wide receiver that you can comfortably start. Bryan Edwards and Zay Jones were disappointing, despite being given a chance to prove themselves. The only other receiver that’s startable will be DeSean Jackson, who will likely make his Raiders debut this week. He is in the boom or bust category as his numbers will depend on receiving the deep ball.
Tight End
Darren Waller had a quality performance last week. He finished with seven catches and 92 yards. He could’ve had a touchdown as well, but Carr missed him when he was wide open. Still, it was encouraging to see him have a game like this. He should always be a starter, but his numbers weren’t exactly meeting expectations before last week. Now that he’s up against the Chiefs, who allow the seventh-most points to tight ends. Waller managers should feel very comfortable this week.
KickerÂ
Daniel Carlson has been a little worrisome. He’s gotten plenty of field goal opportunities with 20 so far, but has missed three. His last miss was the shortest in the NFL this season, which was 25 yards out. He should be starting, unless you find someone that will have a more favorable upside.
Defense/Special Teams
This position will be interesting to see through. The Chiefs have allowed the 10th-most points to opposing defenses. Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been the same this year and has thrown 10 picks so far. The Raiders defense only has four picks (three were in Week 6), but they might get some errant throws their way. If the pass rush can put consistent pressure, then there will be a turnover or two. They are worth the risk, especially if the defense is a weakness on your fantasy team.
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*Top Photo: Matt Aguirre/Las Vegas Raiders