There were solid fantasy performances from several players on the Las Vegas Raiders on Thanksgiving in Dallas. Tomorrow, the Silver and Black will return to Sin City to host the Washington Football Team. Which Raiders should you start, or sit, in fantasy this week?
Quarterback
Derek Carr threw for 373 yards on Thanksgiving. Also, he rushed for 21 yards, which was his highest total of the season. Despite all that, Carr only mustered 21 points in fantasy. That is still a pretty good score, but it’s another example of the problem with Carr in fantasy football: Even on his best days, he’s not putting up elite scores. The reason for this is a lack of touchdowns. The Raiders have struggled to finish drives this season (and last season), especially in the red zone.
Playing a suspect Washington defense this week, Carr does have a fair amount of upside. He could easily surpass 300 yards passing again. However, that is only 12 points in standard-scoring leagues. Carr would likely need to couple that with two passing touchdowns; just to break 20. He’s a ‘meh‘ QB1 this week.
Running Backs
Josh Jacobs had a good showing on Thanksgiving, putting up over 19 points. Unfortunately, he came out of it a little banged up. Also, he’s going up against a stout Washington run-defense. It could be tough for him to put up big numbers. Another factor is that Washington’s offense has come to life recently. That could keep the Raiders throwing. Jacobs should be considered a decent RB2 this week as long as his health doesn’t take a turn for the worse. The only other Raiders back that should be rostered is Kenyan Drake. He is consistently a low-end flex option.
Wide Receivers
Bleh. The fantasy outlook for this crew is awful. Hunter Renfrow is a solid WR2. His numbers are very consistent and the absence of Henry Ruggs III has only increased his volume. With Darren Waller doubtful this week, he could be Carr’s main target. I like him this week. As far as everyone else goes, avoid them like the plague. the only way any of them break eight is if they either catch a 60 yard bomb or score a touchdown. If you have to pick one out of desperation, I guess you could go with Bryan Edwards?
Tight Ends
Darren Waller is unlikely to play. Even if he does suit up, I would not risk playing him. With that in mind, Foster Moreau is the play here. Prior to this week, he had been in the TE2 conversation. With Waller out, Moreau is a low-end TE1.
Kicker
Daniel Carlson had quite the day last week. The kicker put up an absurd 21 points; he’s quickly becoming a must-start kicker. Don’t expect him to outscore most quarterbacks in fantasy every week, but he can be counted on to sniff around double-digits consistently. That’s all you ask for when it comes to kickers.
Defense/Special Teams
No. Don’t do it. The Raiders do not have a good fantasy defense at all. They give up too many yards and points, and not nearly enough sacks and turnovers. While Washington seems like a favorable matchup, that offense is improving. Bench the Raiders defense in fantasy.
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*Top Photo: Wade Vandervort/Las Vegas Raiders