Las Vegas Raiders 2020 fantasy outlook: Running Backs
By Nick Ellis
The Raiders had one of the best running back groups in terms of fantasy football in the league last year, and 2020 should be no different.
The Raiders used a first round pick in 2019 on Josh Jacobs, and you should do the same thing in your fantasy football league in 2020. Josh Jacobs was one of the best running backs in fantasy football last season, and this year should be no different.
Jacobs finished 13th among other running backs last year, even when missing games and being injured throughout the season.
Jacobs will be coming into his second season with an even better offense than last year, as well as hopefully being healthier. Jacobs will also have as good of an offense line, if not better line than he did last season, returning all five starters. Jacobs should be a top eight running back in fantasy football this year, and will no doubt go in the first round in most leagues.
Raiders backup running backs bring fantasy value as well
The Raiders also are bringing back Jalen Richard, a plug in player in PPR leagues. Richard is always good for a few catches each games and has the chance to score double digit points any game. Richard is by no means a starter in fantasy football, but is a good player to have on your team if you ever need to play a running back due to injury or bye weeks.
Another player the Raiders brought in through the draft is Lynn Bowden Jr. It is not clear whether Bowden Jr will be listed as a running back or a wide receiver, but he could end up being a viable flex option later in the season. Bowden Jr is a Taysom Hill type of player and will have many different ways to score points for your fantasy team.
When it comes to the draft, be sure to target Josh Jacobs. He will likely go mid or late first round depending on what type of league you are in. As for Jalen Richard or Lynn Bowden Jr, they likely will be players that you will not draft unless it is in the last round and you lack running backs.