Oakland Raiders Fantasy Football Projections: Wide Receivers

Elias Trejo – Jul 6, 2012

The Oakland Raiders receivers are heading into the 2012 season with high expectations. 2011 was a hard year for the group as they had to endure three different starting quarterbacks and injuries that caused them to miss games. This group is a young, fast, explosive and has the ability to make big strides in 2012. Let's take a look at how I see the top five Raiders receivers performing in 2012. 

Darrius Heyward-Bey

About 21% of Carson Palmers passes went to DHB, which is by far the highest percentage of passes thrown to a Raiders receiver. Heyward-Bey caught 55% of the passes thrown his way and he averaged a touchdown with every 16 receptions and 15.2 yards per reception. If he continues to show improvement, I would expect DHB to catch 60% of the passes thrown to him and average a touchdown with every 14 receptions and 15 yards per catch. He seems to get better every year. If that trend continues he should lead the Raiders in receiving yards in 2012 again.

Projections: 72 Catches, 6 TD's, 1084 yards

 

Denarius Moore

Only 13% of Palmer's passes went to Moore in 2012, however he did miss three games towards the end of the season so that number should increase in 2012. Look for Moore to be targeted by Palmer at least 20% of the time. Moore became a hot player in the offseason and showed his potential in 2011. Now he must follow up his rookie year with a strong performance in year two. He averaged a touchdown every six receptions last season, but that number should change in 2012. Look for Moore to get into the endzone more often than any other Oakland receiver next season. His natural ability to go after the ball in the air gives him the advantage over any other Raiders receiver. 

Projections: 60 Catches, 8 TD's, 976 Yards

Jacoby Ford

Ford is impressive on offense and special teams. His ability to score in multiple ways makes him an interesting fantasy prospect in 2012. He was hampered by injuries in 2011, but he is healthy and ready to go for next season. While he may not get as many passes thrown his way as DHB or Moore, don't be surprised to see Oakland get him the ball in more creative ways. After Darren McFadden, Ford is the most explosive player on the team and should get multiple chances to score for Oakland. 

Projections: 53 Receptions, 6 TDs, 583 Yards, 

Loius Murphy

Murphy has become the forgotten receiver in Oakland after battling through an injury for most of the season last year. It's important to remember that before last year Murphy was the leading receiver in Oakland for two years. Murphy has speed and solid hands and should benefit from a healthy offseason with Palmer. Murphy may not grab over 60 balls in 2012, but I expect him to be among the leaders in TD receptions as he's always had a nose for the endzone. Health will be the big key for Murphy as the receiver position has become a competitive and deep position for the Raiders.

Projections: 48 Catches, 6 TDs, 528 yards

Juron Criner

There has been a lot of excitement surrounding rookie receiver Juron Criner. Many say he could be another steal in the draft for Oakland, but it will be interesting to see how much he'll get on the field with four other veterans in front of him. Criner should see action and will be able to make some plays for Oakland in 2012. If an injury happens to one of the four top receivers Criner should be able to step in and show what he can do. He is a tall receiver with great hands and route running ability. He could be a threat in the redzone with his size. He'll be competing for playing time in his rookie year and could make a big impression when camp starts in July.

Projections: 36 Catches, 4 TDs, 333 Yards.