What are we realistically able to expect from this offense this season? Are there any fantasy sleepers that you would consider?
It’s always hard for me to be realistic in the preseason, because there’s still time to be optimistic! But to be honest, based on what I’ve seen from Matt Schaub so far, it’s hard for me to project great things from the Raiders’ offense this year. I wish I could say otherwise, but you’re forcing me to be realistic here. I wouldn’t be shocked if McGloin or Carr became the starting quarterback come midseason or even earlier. MJD is a nice addition, but we lost Rashad Jennings, so it could be a wash at RB compared to last year. James Jones adds a shot in the arm to the receiving corps, but with the loss of Jared Veldheer at LT, timing and protection could be an issue. That’s a long-winded way of saying that I’m hopeful for offensive improvement over last year, but I’d have a hard time betting on it. Remember, the Raiders weren’t terrible on offense last year. But they were far from great, and so far there’s no indication of a big leap forward.
Sleepers? Keep an eye on WR Rod Streater. He’s no household name, but he racked up 888 yards last year. The addition of James Jones could result in less targets, but it could also free Streater up even more and send him into 1,000+yard territory with an uptick in TD production. Dude is trending upward if we can field a capable QB.
Are MJD or DMC viable fantasy options this year? Where should we realistically expect to draft them?
I wouldn’t expect much from DMC. MJD is another story. He looks good out there right now. Aging running backs are always a risk in fantasy, and other teams will stuff the box if the Raiders’ aerial game is grounded. But there’s potential there with MJD to provide upside as a later-round RB pick.
Are there any worthwhile receivers in this group? I have selected James Jones in the late rounds in some mock drafts. Is he worth considering?
I think he’s worth a look in later rounds along with Streater. I’d be more bullish on both of them if Schaub had shown us more so far. There’s still time. Keep a close eye on the Raiders’ QB situation, because that’s where the rubber hits the road at WR for the Raiders. Jones and Streater may not be elite WRs, but they’ve both shown that they can produce if someone can sling the ball to them.
Oakland Raiders Offense Depth Chart
Position | First Team | Second Team | Third Team |
WR | Andre Holmes | James Jones | Denarius Moore |
WR | Rod Streater | Greg Little | Juron Criner |
QB | Matt Schaub | Derek Carr | Matt McGloin |
RB | Maurice Jones-Drew | Darren McFadden | Latavius Murray |
TE | David Ausberry | Mychal Rivera | Brian Leonhardt |