Fantasy Football Preview: Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys 11/27/13
Have a side of fantasy football points with your Thanksgiving feast on Thursday afternoon as the Raiders travel to big D to take on the Cowboys. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM and you can catch the game on CBS.
The Raiders have dropped three of their last four after a heart-breaking loss last week to the Titans. Their last three games have all been decided by one score, but they’ll have a hard time in Dallas taking on the Cowboys who are right in the thick of a crowded NFC East race. The Cowboys are coming off a big road win in New York and need a win in their traditional Thanksgiving game to put pressure on the Eagles on Sunday.
If you have Raiders or Cowboys on your fantasy team, here’s my quick take on what to expect this Thanksgiving.
Quarterbacks
Matt McGloin-Oakland Raiders: McGloin was solid last week throwing for 260 yards and a touchdown while completing 19 of 32 passes with a touchdown and an interception. He’s a low-end QB2, but there is upside there since the Cowboys should score enough to force him to throw and they’ve been struggling a bit defensively especially against the pass.
Tony Romo-Dallas Cowboys: Romo is a QB1 but he hasn’t had a huge statistical game since the Broncos game. He’s still definitely a top ten QB, so if you own him get him in your lineup for Turkey Day.
Running Backs
Darren McFadden-Oakland Raiders: McFadden is expected to return and be in a timeshare with Rashad Jennings. How the timeshare is split and how effective he’ll be coming back from his injury will determine how much value he has. In my mind, he’s a high-risk flex play that I would avoid unless you don’t have any other options.
Rashad Jennings-Oakland Raiders: Jennings would be a clear RB2 based on his recent performance if it wasn’t for the return of McFadden possibly cutting into his time. The Cowboys have allowed more fantasy points to opposing running backs than any other team, but there is still significant risk due to the unknown nature of the timeshare. Jennings is a high-end RB3 or a decent flex option, but there is a chance he’ll lose the touches he needs to be effective.
DeMarco Murray-Dallas Cowboys: Murray doesn’t get consistent touches, but he’s shown signs of being a RB1 when he does. The Raiders are pretty good against the run, so I’d consider other options if you have them, but ultimately I’d rank Murray as a low-end RB2.
Wide Receivers
Rod Streater-Oakland Raiders: Streater has been the Raiders top receiving option the last two weeks with McGloin under center. He’s led the team in targets the last two weeks, and he’s in a good matchup against the number 31 pass defense in the NFL. Streater is a sneaky flex play who will reward his owners with a solid game even though he’s not a huge name. He’ll be an underrated Thanksgiving addition–kinda like that marshmallowy sweet potato stuff.
Denarius Moore-Oakland Raiders: Moore didn’t practice yet this week and probably won’t play. Even if he’s active, he belongs on your bench.
Dez Bryant-Dallas Cowboys: Bryant is a top receiver and should be in your lineup every week without question. The Raiders give up the fifth-most points per game to opposing WR, so Bryant should be in for a good game.
Miles Austin-Dallas Cowboys: Last week, Austin returned but only had one catch for 17 yards. He has been practicing and should play, but is a WR4 or 5 and shouldn’t be started yet.
Terrance Williams-Dallas Cowboys: Williams had only one catch in each of the last two weeks and has faded back into the fantasy background in his current role.
Cole Beasley-Dallas Cowboys: Beasley had two catches for just 13 yards. With Austin, Williams, and Beasley splitting the second-WR looks, none of them have any significant fantasy value.
Tight Ends
Mychal Rivera-Oakland Raiders: Rivera has some intriguing upside and has shown a solid connection with McGloin in the time they’ve been on the field together. He sustained a concussion last week, but was back in practice meaning he may be ready to roll. He’s an option to keep an eye on, but I wouldn’t play him this week.
Jason Witten-Dallas Cowboys: Witten found the end zone twice last week against the Giants with four catches on 37 yards. He’s a top ten option this week for sure, so play him if you own him.
Team Defenses
Oakland Raiders: Oakland’s D isn’t a good option coming off a short week against Romo and the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys: Dallas’s defense bounced back from a horrible outing against the Saints with a decent showing against the generous Giants. Against Oakland who allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, they’re an option but not a great one since McGloin has cut down on the turnovers since he’s taken over under center.
Final Call
Dallas Cowboys 31, Oakland Raiders 17
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