Fantasy Football Waiver Wire 2014: Top 10 Week 1 pickups

James Jones-WR-Oakland Raiders (39.8%)

The Raiders offense became infinitely more fantasy interesting when Coach Dennis Allen decided to take the plunge and leave Matt Schaub on the sidelines going instead with rookie QB Derek Carr out of Fresno State. Carr had an impressive preseason excelling all exhibition season and leaving a lasting impression by carving up the Seahawks in week 4.  With Carr under center, the Raiders offense should be able to stretch the field much more than with the weaker-armed Schaub.

Carr steps into an offense with pretty solid weapons across the board with James Jones, Rod Streater, and Denarius Moore at wide receiver.  The clear number one of the group is James Jones who the Raiders brought in from Green Bay this offseason.  While Jones suffered a little bit of regression last year due to a decrease in touchdowns and Aaron Rodgers injury, he’s still got the talent to be a solid fantasy option.

Jones has been the clear #1 this preseason and should get the majority of targets in the Raiders attack.  Hopefully you don’t need a starter in week one so soon after your draft, but Oakland opens with the Jets whose secondary has been decimated by injury which makes Jones an intriguing flex play even the first week of the season.  In a more ideal situation, Jones makes a great depth addition who could pay off and be a solid play when bye weeks hit later this season.  If you need a boost at receiver, Jones is the first name I would look for.