2021 Fantasy Preview – Las Vegas Raiders

Studs

• Darren Waller: Waller is in the discussion as one of the best TEs in the league. He is used as the team’s primary receiver and has had over 110 targets in each of the past two seasons. Outside of Travis Kelce and George Kittle, Waller is the TE to own.

Role Players

• Josh Jacobs: Every season just as a barrier is removed, another takes it’s place. This season, that barrier to success is the team bringing in Kenyan Drake and the weakening of the offensive line. However, despite that, he is still likely to get alot of the touches out of the backfield. He should be considered as a solid RB2, but has limited upside.

Keep an eye on

• Kenyan Drake: Drake was given the opportunity to be the starter for the Cardinals, but didn’t impress enough to be brought back. Instead, the Raiders brought him in. His contract implies that he is going to be used more than just a relief back, but it will be interesting to see how much work he is going to take on. As well as the usage he gets around the goal line and in the passing game.
• Henry Ruggs: The issue with Ruggs seems to be that the team don’t know how to use him for the best. Ruggs is dangerous with the ball in his hands, and if you give him a pass to chase downfield. However, he has been most productive operating out of the slot. If John Brown takes the wideout role, that could give room for Ruggs to play inside.
• John Brown: Brown has developed in recent seasons to be a reliable downfield threat. Brown should become the primary deep threat on the offense here. He might be an inconsistent player week to week, but drafting him late as a depth piece could pay dividends.

Dynasty Stashes

• Marcus Mariota: Mariota became a forgotten man after he was ousted from being the Titans starter. However, this team is changing and Mariota could well be given another opportunity to lead this team, or another. In a Superflex league, holding Mariota on your bench could end up being a masterstroke come the middle of the season.
• Bryan Edwards: Edwards has been forgotten by alot of owners, but he could still have fantasy value. The offense is in a state of flux, and that means that there is an opportunity for someone to step up. It also doesn’t hurt if his QB compares him to Davante Adams, who he played with in college. I wouldn’t expect that level of production, but he could still make a step up.