Here is the next article in our series we are referring to as Deep Impact, where we at Razzball will examine players who are tucked away deep in the player projections, and are bound to surpass their underwhelming expectations. The benefit of these players, aside from showing off your fantasy football prowess, is that they are often available on your fantasy league waiver wire and can provide relief to owners looking for quality talent in deeper formats.
The player we will be focusing on is Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore. While any fantasy football analyst with any common sense would have warned you against ANY Oakland receivers with the unimpressive Matt Schaub under center, there is a new sheriff in town. Just days ago, Raiders Head Coach Dennis Allen finally came to his senses and announced that rookie quarterback Derek Carr will be the team’s starter for week 1 against the New York Jets. Moments later, the entire city of Oakland simultaneously rejoiced.
It’s nothing against Schaub personally, he’s probably a great guy, but the fact of the matter is that at this point in his career, he brings very little excitement to the NFL’s most important position. Nobody on Oakland’s sideline had the impression that Schaub could lead them to victory on a consistent basis and therefore he was benched for an exciting new future. Now, don’t get me wrong, Carr will take his lumps this season, but he will also make a lot of throws Schaub never could and that’s where Denarius Moore comes in.
Throughout the 2014 NFL Preseason, Carr and Moore have developed an impressive chemistry. There were even times the Raiders duo took it to the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks first-string defense. How did he do it? Fearlessness. Derek Carr is a gunslinger, just like Tony Romo before him and Brett Favre before him and that means more opportunities for Oakland’s receivers.
Everyone knows receiver James Jones was brought in via free agency this offseason to help spark the Raiders receiving core, and of course Rod Streater is still in town, but the player who may have the most upside – particularly fantasy-wise – is Denarius Moore. His ridiculous athleticism and ability to separate from coverage will make him a clean target for Carr this year.
Plus, James Jones and/or Streater will help Moore continue to see an abundance of one-on-one situations. With a rebuilding and relatively unfamiliar cast in Oakland this season, it’s quite possible that the Raiders will air the ball out regularly this season, which means Moore could be a solid waiver wire acquisition for people looking to add a receiver with upside. Additionally, his deep threat ability and early rapport with Oakland’s new franchise quarterback gives Moore solid Dynasty or Keeper league value. Sadly, he is only owned in 6% of Yahoo Sports fantasy leagues while currently being ranked as the 195th best offensive player.
Jarrod Patterson is a Sports Writer for Razzball.com as well as RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_M_Patterson or Facebook or add him to your network on Google Â
