The Oakland Raiders have a great matchup this weekend. One in which all of the offensive players can really exploit a struggling Chargers defense. The Chargers are allowing the fifth most points so far this season and 23rd in yards given up through four weeks. This game has all of the makings to be a shootout in Los Angeles, which means fantasy gold for fantasy owners that have Raider players on their team. Let us take a closer look and hand out projections (PPR format) at each position for the Raiders.
Derek Carr – Projection: 325 yards, 2.5 TD’s, 1 INT (21.0 points)
After starting the season with three interceptions against the Rams on Monday night, Derek Carr has bounced back nicely for fantasy owners. Since that painful week one game, Carr is averaging a whopping 357 yards passing and thrown six touchdowns passes. This weekend, Carr gets a juicy matchup against a Chargers team that just allowed C.J. Beathard to throw for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns. Carr is a perfect starting option this week.
Amari Cooper – Projection: 4 receptions, 40 yards, 0 TD’s (8 points)
For whatever reason, Amari Cooper likes to go missing from games after major outputs the week before. Last season, after his 11 catch, 210 yard, two-touchdown performance in the team’s week 7 overtime victory against the Chiefs, Cooper followed it up with a 48-yard clunker. This season, after his 10 catch, 116-yard game against the Broncos, the former Alabama star finished week 3 with only two receptions. I see a pattern and feel like that will be the case once again.
Jordy Nelson – Projection: 7 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
Since I think Cooper will have an off day this weekend, there has to be another WR that picks up the slack against the Chargers. Insert Jordy Nelson. The former Green Bay Packer has found his stride the last two weeks, catching 11 passes for 221 yards. Nelson has built a nice connection with his quarterback recently and should see targets in this division matchup. If bye weeks have hit your roster this week (Buccaneers, Bears), Nelson can fill in nicely for in your flex spot.
Jared Cook – Projection: 5 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD (15.5 points)
Jared Cook, have yourself a game. After coming into week 4 as a borderline TE 1 option, Cook exploded for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Cook now leads all TEs in receiving yards and is second in receptions. I do not expect Cook to continue this hot start. Yet, there is no denying the strong connection he has with Carr. Cooks catches a red zone touchdown and chips in another five receptions in this game.
Marshawn Lynch – Projection: 16 rushes, 80 yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 25 yards (19.5 points)
Not sure, you often use the word “quietly” when you describe Marshawn Lynch, but this is one of few cases. Lynch is quietly have a strong season so far this year. Lynch is currently the #11 running back in all of fantasy and is fourth in the NFL in rushing yards. At this point, Lynch is a safe RB2 and should produce once again against a Chargers defense that is giving up the 17th most rushing yards this season. No one taking about Beast mode but there is no denying his production so far.
