Say what you will about the Las Vegas Raiders’ record, but for fantasy owners, the Raiders have (for the most part) been a helpful source of points this year.
Josh Jacobs currently ranks as the No. 5 running back in points per game, and Davante Adams is the No. 7 wide receiver, while Derek Carr has been a middle-of-the-pack quarterback as well. Of course, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns, as Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow have suffered injuries amidst their disappointing season.
This Sunday, the Raiders face a Colts defense that is allowing the 13th fewest points per game defensively and the fifth-fewest yards per game. On the flip side, fantasy owners flush with offensive players for the Colts (if these people exist) will be excited to see their guys matched up against a 28th-ranked defense in yards per game allowed.
So…what’s the move in fantasy this week?
Start: Derek Carr
I know he’s 20th in fantasy points at the quarterback position, but the passing game was firing on all cylinders last week before Josh McDaniels put the brakes on things and got conservative. I can’t imagine he makes that mistake again, and with another week to get healthy, I think the Raiders passing game has a big day on Sunday.
Prediction: 310 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Start: Michael Pittman Jr.
After getting off to a hot start to the season, Pittman has just 133 yards in his last three games without a touchdown. And yes, Sam Ehlinger is still playing quarterback — but the Raiders have been dreadful at covering receivers of late, and it feels like Pittman is due for a big game.
Prediction: 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 touchdown
Sit: Raiders D
When you scour the waiver looking for a defense this week, I know you’re going to stare at the Raiders defense and think, “Against Sam Ehlinger? Maybe this won’t be THAT bad…” — but think again. The Raiders defense can make any unit look competent the way they’re playing right now, and so I wouldn’t trust this group, no matter who they’re up against.
