Heading into Week 5, the Oakland Raiders have already lost three of the first four games of the season and are desperately needing a win to get back on track.
Fortunately, the Raiders coaching staff will have quarterback Terrelle Pryor back under center against the San Diego Chargers. Not only does the return of Pryor improve the team’s chances of recording the second win of the season, but fantasy owners also stand to benefit with Pryor being a solid start for Week 5 according to ESPN’s Matthew Berry:
Terrelle Pryor, Raiders: Even better, you don’t have to stay up and watch him! It’s not just the matchup that’s tasty (San Diego is 29th versus the pass and gives up the most points to opposing quarterbacks), but it’s the rushing, too: The Chargers are allowing 5.2 yards per carry, third-most. I’m expecting him to play and to be a top-12 option this week.
Along with Pryor receiving Berry’s endorsement for Week 5, backup running back Rashad Jennings has also been dubbed a good options for Week 5 via Berry:
Rashad Jennings, Raiders: Thought Jennings looked solid after taking over for McFadden last week, and it’s a good matchup. San Diego is allowing 5.2 yards per carry this season, third-most in the league. And its 5.3 yards on zone read carries, which is good since I expect Terrelle Pryor to play in this game. Sneaky PPR play here as well. Raiders running backs are tied for sixth in the league in targets.
With Darren McFadden missing practice all week long, it’s safe to say the veteran running back will likely be on the bench on Sunday. McFadden’s hamstring injury hasn’t improved over the course of the week leaving his status against the Chargers up in the air, but few doubt the fact that Jennings will be the starter and may be in for a big day against a weak San Diego run defense.
Last week, Jennings racked up 116 total yards against the Washington Redskins. Jennings became more of a threat as a receiver rather than a runner with eight receptions for 71 yards.
It’ll be interesting to see if Pryor and Jennings strike up some chemistry in the passing game against the Chargers or if the running back will become more of a force on the ground.
