Oakland Raiders 2019 Week 8 fantasy football outlook
By Brad Weiss
Raiders Fantasy outlook
Derek Carr
Quarterback Derek Carr had his issues in Week 7, fumbling at the end zone, and tossing a red zone interception, but he was able to carve up the Green Bay defense with very little options at wide receiver. In Week 8, he is expected to get WR1 Tyrell Williams back, giving him a deep threat at the position, which he will likely utilize from time to time.
Carr is going to put up some numbers, and in a two-QB system, he is a go against this Texans defense. Look for him to find the end zone at least once on Sunday, while throwing for 250-plus yards.
Darren Waller
Arguably the best tight end in the AFC West, Darren Waller went off against the Green Bay Packers last weekend, and the expectation is that it will be a weekly occurrence going forward. Waller caught his first two touchdowns of the season against Green Bay, hauling in seven passes for over 120 yards in the game.
Look for Waller to have success on Sunday, as the Texans struggle against the tight ends on a weekly basis. Eric Ebron terrorized them in Week 7, and at this point, Waller is the much better player. He is an absolute must-start in Week 8 and beyond.
Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is dealing with a shoulder injury that has kept him out of practice all week, but do not expect that to hamper him against the Texans this week. Jacobs has said that he does not need to practice in order to play, and the only way he will not suit up is if the shoulder was actually broken.
One thing to keep an eye on with him is the fact that when he was banged up a few weeks ago, the Raiders were cautious with him. He is an elite fantasy option right now, and should be started, but do not be surprised if the Raiders lighten his load a bit in Week 8.
Raiders defense
Do not go anywhere near the Raiders defense in this one, as Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans offense should get their fair share of point on Sunday. Watson, even without Fuller, is going to get his stats, and you can be sure that the Texans will find a way to get DeAndre Hopkins the ball early, and often.
While the Raiders defense has played well at times, they laid an egg against the Packers, and I expect the same on Sunday. The Raiders have a golden opportunity to win this one, but do not expect a defensive battle at all.