Las Vegas Raiders fantasy outlook: Week 2 Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
QB Derek Carr – Start ‘Em
Derek Carr‘s performance against the Carolina Panthers underscores the key differences between fantasy football, and the real thing. In the real world, Carr’s efficient performance as he went 22-30 for 239 yards and a touchdown was exactly what the Raiders needed to win the game. He distributed the ball to nine different receivers and threw a dime to Nelson Agholor in the back of the end zone for his only touchdown of the game.
In fantasy land however, it was not much of a performance as he put up just 13.5 points using NFL.com’s default scoring method. This was the 24th ranked performance in Week 1 by a quarterback and it was against a defense that was still gelling. The performance could have been better had Jason Witten scored on his lone reception in the red zone, but he’s not beating anyone to the corner at his age.
Week 2 should look a little different, as Jon Gruden will most certainly want to light it up in the debut of Allegiant Stadium. We can expect a couple more deep shots to Henry Ruggs and Nelson Agholor under the bright lights, and if they can connect then expect the yardage total to jump up considerably.
Gruden will also want to control the clock with long drives against the Saints and he can do so by pounding the rock but also with screens and designed dumpoffs to draw the defense before taking their shots over the top. The Saints pass rush was effective last week against Tampa Bay so we may see Carr make some plays with his legs and add to that fantasy total.