Fantasy Football 2017: Oakland Raiders outlook
The Raiders’ offense exploded in 2016 with quarterback Derek Carr leading the way. Who are your 2017 fantasy football players to target?
Derek Carr
Despite a hugely successful year in which he led the team to the playoffs before suffering heartbreaking leg break in week 16, Carr didn’t even match his points per game total from 2015 (21.3 to 21.0). It was the team’s 12 wins and better on field performances that hoisted him up fantasy ranks, not just his points scored. Either way, he’s a great asset at the position, with QB1 potential every week. Look to draft at a discount if other owners are wary of his return from injury.
DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard
Both backs showed signs of what they can offer (predominantly in the passing game) as rookies, but took a back seat as Latavius Murray found the end zone 12 times compared to their three. Murray has moved on, but don’t be fooled into thinking one of these two will win the full-time starting gig. Whether it’s in the NFL Draft (most likely) or through a veteran signing (Marshawn Lynch, anyone?), Oakland will find a new starter. Don’t over-invest in Washington or Richard.
Amari Cooper
“Coop” has started his career with two straight 70-plus catch and 1,000-yard seasons, but hasn’t reached fantasy stardom just yet. With only 11 touchdowns so far and a very slow second half of his sophomore campaign (he didn’t top 60 yards after week nine in 2016), fantasy owners have been left wondering if he will reach his astronomical potential.
Don’t worry. The touchdowns will come. He’s a supreme talent, paired with a quality quarterback, on a team that doesn’t shy away from throwing the ball. If you can pick him up after the first and second tiers of receivers, you’ll have yourself a bargain.
Michael Crabtree
While Cooper is regarded as the top receiver in Oakland, veteran Michael Crabtree has hauled in 17 touchdowns and 1,925 yards on 174 catches in his two years paired with the youngster. There’s been enough room for both of them to thrive, and there should be no reason for that to change. As long as he’s the cheapest of the two, you can keep snapping him up at a discount.
must read: 30 Best NFL Receivers of All-Time
The Best of the Rest
Can the Raiders exploit Cordarrelle Patterson in ways the Vikings couldn’t? Don’t bet on it, and also don’t chase him if he scores from an end-around or kick return. If he’s utilized regularly as a receiver, then we can talk. Seth Roberts will still start ahead of the gadget man, and he’s not worth drafting either. Jared Cook showed some good things in Green Bay, and has potential as a bye week fill-in.