A few weeks ago, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars seemed like it would be a borderline marquee matchup, given the direction both franchises seemed to be heading.
Now? You may have to ask the local sports bar to find the game. And yet, from a fantasy perspective, there are still lots of fun names that will be on the field, so this game should have huge fantasy implications.
(Reminder: this article exists as a response to rankings — these are the guys I feel better or worse about than consensus rankings seem to. If a guy isn’t listed, it’s not because they’re worthless — it’s more likely that I agree with where they’re ranked across various sites)
Trevor Lawrence: START
After averaging over 250 yards per game the first three weeks of the season (with 6 touchdowns and just 1 pick), Lawrence has come back down to earth during the team’s five-game losing streak. Over that time, he has gone under 175 yards three times and has as many touchdowns as he does interceptions.
And yet…this week, he gets to face a Raiders defense that features the 25th-ranked passing defense, which allows 258.1 yards per game (a number that has gone up over the last three weeks when facing Andy Dalton, Davis Mills and Patrick Mahomes).
And if you’re worried about turnovers? The Raiders are dead last in takeaways per game (0.6).
Prediction: 260 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
Zay Jones: START
If Lawrence is going to ball out, then he needs someone to throw to and this week I’ll take my chances with former Raider Zay Jones. Rock Ya-Sin has been good for the Raiders, but with Nate Hobbs out, Anthony Averett really struggled last week in coverage. Jones is solid, but he’ll look better than that Sunday in a reasonably big day for him.
Prediction: 6 catches, 72 yards
Darren Waller: SIT
I’m expecting Waller to be back Sunday, given how close he was to returning last week, but I think it will remain tough sledding for him Sunday. This season, the Jaguars are allowing an average of 50 receiving yards and 3.75 receptions to tight ends, with just one receiving touchdown on the season. I think Waller makes an impact for the Raiders this season before it’s all said and done, but I don’t think that’s Sunday.
