Oakland Raiders Week-1 Fantasy Football Preview

Luis Reyes – Sep 8, 2012

Football is back in that includes fantasy football!  Every fantasy manager out there is looking for the upper hand week in and week out, so let’s go over some players wearing silver and black that can help your fantasy team in week 1.

Fortunately the Raiders have some very underrated and overlooked players, so if you get the right one in your lineup you might just get the edge over your opponent. I’ll be going through Raider players every week for fantasy purposes, so let’s see how some of the skill players will match up against the Chargers in week 1.

Fantasy Starters

Darren McFadden (RB): This one is an obvious starter as a fantasy starter for week 1 and any week for that matter. Its clear McFadden will be the main focus of the Raiders offense; they showed it in the preseason and Gregg Knapp has said it many times. The lack of depth at receiver for Week-1 can only mean McFadden will be used more, both in the passing game, as well as the running game.

McFadden has always performed extremely well against division foes. Last season he averaged 6.4 yards per carry and the year before that he averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Last time McFadden played the Chargers he went for 97 rushing yards, 30 receiving yards, 3 receptions and a receiving touchdown. Those are RB1 fantasy numbers right there.

Week 1 Prediction: 21 carries, 105 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 4 receptions, 35 receiving yards

Carson Palmer (QB): A lot of people out there are worried about Palmer because of the abysmal preseason he had. Yes it could’ve been better, but don’t be fooled. Palmer never got into rhythm and that’s normal when you’re learning a new system. Palmer will probably get his favorite toy back, Wide Receiver Denarius Moore, so that should help improve his confidence.

Palmer has absolutely pummeled the Chargers his entire career. He’s posted great numbers.  Just last season against San Diego Palmer completed 42 of 63 passes for a 66.7% completion, threw for716 yards and had 4 passing touchdowns with 2 interceptions for a passer rating of 112.9.  Those are great fantasy numbers anyway you look at it.

Palmer can be good start for week 1 especially in deeper leagues.

Week 1 Prediction: 17/28 (60.7% completion), 275 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 1 interception

Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR): Darrius Heyward-Bey is already expected to put up some decent fantasy numbers this season. He’s had great rapport with Palmer since last season, and the lack or receivers should only add to the amount of plays Heyward-Bey will be a part of.

Denarius Moore is probably playing on Monday night and I honestly think this will only help Darrius Heyward-Bey. Defenses will have to roll coverage over Moore, or at least keep him present so Heyward-Bey should see a lot of one on one coverage. If this is the situation his speed should be a factor for Heyward-Bey to have a great game.

Heyward-Bey’s game is getting better every season, and this one will not be the exception. He averaged 14.4 yardsper reception against San Diegoin in the two games last season, so he is definitely getting some balls down the field.

Week 1 Prediction: 6 receptions, 95 yards, 1 receiving touchdown

Sebastian Janikowski (K): Not much to say about this kicker. This guy has always produced for fantasy owners; this game will not change that. Expect Janikowski to get two or three field goals in this one.

Fantasy Sleepers:

Denarius Moore: I’m putting Denarius Moore as a sleeper and not a sure starter only because he didn’t have an off season. This kid has loads of talent, but didn’t take a single snap in the preseason in the new offense.

Obviously, because of his talent he is a touchdown threat every time he gets the ball. But proceed with caution, at least for this week only.

Rod Streater: Amazing show this undrafted free agent has put up all of the preseason, but the real thing starts on Monday.

Streater proved to be quite reliable for Carson Palmer, and since Jacoby Ford is out and Juron Criner are ailing with an ankle and knee injuries, he’s bound to take some snaps and get some touches. If he continues to play how he did all preseason, this player can give you some decent but not exaggerated fantasy production.

If you’re in a PPR league then he might be a little more valuable, since he proved he can be a possession receiver and is not afraid to go down the middle. Remember he is still a rookie so temper you’re expectations. 

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