Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 Week 18 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
Start ‘Em
Josh Jacobs, Running Back
We called Jacobs last week to be inserted into all lineups, and although 63 rushing yards on 16 carries weren’t earth-shattering, he is basically the only consistent running back in this offense. The most rushing attempts after Jacobs wasn’t even a back, but backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who carried the ball three times.
What Jacobs was able to add in a rushing touchdown last week is what makes his value so high. In fantasy, touchdowns are vital, and with virtually no backup behind Jacobs, he will always be used in red-zone situations.
Against a suspect defense in the Chargers, Jacobs could even break out in a bigger way this week. Although he had a tough task doing anything against this same team in Week four — this young offensive line has improved significantly since then, and should help Jacobs out in a big way this week.
Start the third-year back if you have him on your roster.
Darren Waller, Tight End
Although last season’s Pro Bowl tight end has missed numerous weeks due to injury and has only practiced in a limited capacity thus far — it is nearly a guarantee he will be ready to go for the season finale in Las Vegas.
Quarterback Derek Carr has done a serviceable job navigating without the talented tight end as the Raiders have rung off three straight victories. Nevertheless, Carr will surely be happy to get back his top receiver (sorry Hunter Renfrow), and he will be looking to find Waller early and often in this contest.
If you have been stashing Waller angrily this year as he has been out due to injury, the patience should pay off this week in retaining him. Start the tight end this week as he makes his highly anticipated return.