The NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Oakland Raiders. As always, average draft position (ADP) is pulled from FantasyPros.com.
Must Owns
Latavius Murray, RB (ADP: 41): Murray is a high-risk, high-reward player who is sitting at a surprisingly reasonable ADP. He’s the 18th RB off the board, which is a treat considering his talent. We saw him tear up a solid Chiefs defense in his breakout party—a four-carry, 112-yard, two-touchdown effort—but we’ve never seen him lead a backfield and hold up under a big workload. I have my questions about his durability, and view him as more of an Andre Ellington type.
Amari Cooper, WR (ADP: 47): Cooper’s got a world of talent, and he’s a keeper/dynasty league stud. For re-draft leagues, he’s a really good WR2. Cooper has the upside to break into the top-15, but not much higher; there’s simply too many established, elite players at that position to back an unknown.
Sleepers (Best Format)
Michael Crabtree, WR, PPR (ADP: 160): Crabtree is an upgrade as a No. 2 receiver for second-year QB Derek Carr. The Raiders are going with a bit of a youth movement across the board; it may not translate to wins and losses, but it could mean a few fantasy breakouts. Crabtree, 27, is never going to be a WR1, but the upside is serviceable WR2, and excellent FLEX.
Derek Carr, QB, Standard (ADP: 182): Carr is the 26th QB off the board, which is really too low. He has a lot of upside on his own, and the team brought in two quality receivers to help him out. He threw 21 touchdowns vs. 12 picks last year with James Jones impersonating a No. 1 receiver. With Cooper in tow he should make a leap. In two-QB leagues, Carr may wind up being a steal.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Roy Helu, RB, PPR (ADP: 228): Helu has never gotten the call to lead a backfield, but playing behind Murray might afford him the opportunity. Helu is an excellent pass-catcher, and in limited playing time he’s proven capable as a runner. He will not have any issue overtaking Trent Richardson. Helu is a must-draft handcuff for Murray, even if he’s not being treated that way.
Defense, Special Teams (ADP: N/A): The Raiders had two All-Rookie defensive lineman (Khalil Mack, Justin Ellis) last year, and they’ve still got DE Justin Tuck to wreak havoc. The secondary has big potential, and somehow S Charles Woodson is still playing at a high level. Special teams will feature Trindon Holliday returning kicks—enough said.
Andre Holmes, WR, Standard (ADP: N/A):Holmes had buzz last year, and that buzz has completely disappeared. He could be very droppable a week or two into the year if he’s not getting targeted, but at 6’5, 208 pounds I’d be willing to take a late-round flier and see if he explodes.
Sebastian Janikowski, K (ADP: 211):He’s got arguably the biggest leg in football and the Raiders let him try the long ones. If your league doesn’t penalize kickers for missing field goals, Janikowski is a great pick.
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