Fantasy football is rapidly becoming as popular as its real-life counterpart — if not more popular. From casual fans to die-hard’s, fantasy football has a place for everyone. This game gives us “normal people” a glimpse of what it feels like to run an NFL organization — even if it isn’t a perfect comparison. Luckily for the Raiders, fans from around the country will be tuning into games on account of fantasy.
In an era of constant highlights, it is easy to see why fantasy football has taken the world by storm. Fans love points, and there is a chance for points on each snap. Whether it be a short gain from a running back, a spectacular catch downfield from a receiver, or a simple 10-yard pass from a quarterback, they all result in instant gratification for a team owner.
The Raiders Are A Fantasy Football Dream
The Raiders are suited particularly well for fantasy football, as the depth chart features several players capable of being weekly starters. We will narrow it down to the five best options for the sake of time, with the best wide receiver in the NFL kicking things off. Average draft positions (ADPs) can be found at FantasyPros.com.
Fantasy Football Target No. 1: WR Davante Adams
Davante Adams earned a third-straight selection to the first-team All-Pro following a superb debut campaign in Vegas. The former Packer proved that he could produce without a Hall of Fame talent at quarterback, giving reason for optimism even as the Raiders face an overhaul behind center.
Adams checked in as the overall WR2 in fantasy football last season, coming up 5.2 points short of the top spot held by Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson. Jimmy Garoppolo is far from elite at quarterback, but he is fairly accurate and should get the ball to Adams early and often. Lock him into your lineups if he is still on the board at the round one-two turn.
Fantasy Football Target No. 2: RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is a bit trickier than Adams, thanks to a looming holdout clouding his 2023 projection. If Jacobs decides to play under the franchise tag, expect the former Alabama star to play his butt off to secure an extension next offseason. He is fresh off a career year and would be a valuable RB1 on your fantasy football roster.
If Jacobs Returns To Vegas, He Is A Top Option At RB
The 2019 first-rounder is currently being taken in the second round of drafts (RB7). Assuming Jacobs takes the field in 2023, this value is worth capitalizing on. McDaniels loves to establish the running game, and Garoppolo is no stranger to leaning on his ball carriers.
Fantasy Football Target No. 3: WR Jakobi Meyers
The Raiders brought in Jakobi Meyers to serve as the running mate for Davante Adams on the boundary. The undrafted free agent has had tough luck in the touchdown department, but Meyers caught 150 passes over the past two seasons in New England.
He brings polished route running and reliable hands to a wide receiver room chock-full of talent. The 26-year-old pass catcher is a flex-worthy option in PPR leagues, with the chance at WR3 production any given week. Meyers is currently the 52nd receiver in fantasy football drafts.
Fantasy Football Target No. 4: WR Hunter Renfrow
Echoing the sentiment with Meyers, Hunter Renfrow is not a sexy fantasy football pick. However, he has already shown the ability to be a starting-caliber player. In 2021, the Clemson alum caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns en route to a WR13 finish.
Raiders Should Still Use Renfrow Enough For PPR Purposes
Things have changed a bit since then, mainly at quarterback and on the coaching staff, but Renfrow will bounce back from his disappointing 2022 campaign. It is ill-advised to expect the former fifth-round pick to finish as a WR1 in 2023, but seeing 76 receivers taken before Renfrow is unfathomable.
Fantasy Football Target No. 5: TE Michael Mayer
Every fantasy football fan just let out a groan when they saw a rookie tight end pop up here. It is exceedingly rare for a rookie to produce immediately at the position. Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth helped quell the fears of managers in 2021, but they remain as outliers.
Michael Mayer has a clear line to starter reps, as he is the most talented tight end on the roster. Josh McDaniels uses tight ends heavily in his game plan, so that is another feather in the cap for Mayer. The Notre Dame alum is the TE22 in fantasy football currently. Get him now before training camp begins and his stock skyrockets.
*Top Photo: Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images