Fantasy Football News & Views
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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Raiders | Marquette King gaining confidence Wed Jul 23, 03:59 PM
Oakland Raiders P Marquette King is feeling more comfortable in his job security after gaining experience last year.
Link to story Raiders | Hope Derek Carr does not play in 2014 Sat Jul 19, 12:58 PM
The Oakland Raiders would prefer that QB Derek Carr does not play in 2014 and is allowed to learn from the sidelines while QB Matt Schaub starts every game.
| Footballguys view: We may see guys like Carr and perhaps Blake Bortles sit during their entire rookie year. Most rookies are thrust into the starting lineup in recent history, but we have to remember that number one overall pick Carson Palmer sat for a year behind Jon Kitna in 2003. It's a wise idea if Carr is their quarterback of the future. The team doesn't want to stunt his growth as a passer and pro prospect. |
Derek Carr player page
Raiders | Justin Ellis likely to see time on rushing downs Wed Jul 16, 04:52 PM
Oakland Raiders DT Justin Ellis likely will see most of his playing time on rushing downs when DT Pat Sims needs a break.
Link to story Raiders | Sebastian Janikowski happy with vets Tue Jul 15, 05:31 PM
Oakland Raiders PK Sebastian Janikowski said Tuesday, July 15 the team needed the veterans they signed this offseason. Janikowski said the veterans will be able to help the young guys on the team.
| Footballguys view: Janikowski might be kicking a lot of field goals this year. The Raiders have a veteran offense with Matt Schaub at quarterback, Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew at running back and James Jones at wide receiver. We're not expecting much fantasy production from anyone on the Raiders offense. |
Sebastian Janikowski player page
Raiders | Unclear how carries will be divided Mon Jul 14, 11:05 PM
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden and RB Maurice Jones-Drew could struggle while splitting carries this season, according to ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez. Gutierrez noted that both backs have traditionally performed better later in games, and splitting carries could prevent both backs from finding a rhythm.
| Footballguys view: Both McFadden and Jones-Drew are not quite the players they used to be. Age and injuries have caught up to them, so expect the Raiders to split the carries (maybe somewhat evenly) to keep the duo fresh. McFadden has an ADP of RB40 (9.07) while Jones-Drew is coming off the board at RB35 (8.01) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Maurice Jones-Drew player page
Darren McFadden player page
Raiders | Matt Schaub learning, getting better Mon Jul 14, 04:12 PM
Oakland Raiders QB Matt Schaub is doing what it takes to get better, according to CB Charles Woodson. Woodson said Schaub has been talking with defensive coordinator Jason Tarver after practice, which tells Woodson that Schaub knows how to improve. Woodson added that the team expects big things from him this season.
| Footballguys view: Schaub is a seasoned veteran who is likely to begin the season as the starter for the Raiders. Rookie Derek Carr may eventually take over for Schaub as he's seen as the QB of the future. We're not wowed by much of anything from the Raiders passing game in 2014. Their WR1 James Jones has a current ADP of WR54 (12.04) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Matt Schaub player page
Raiders | Sio Moore following veterans' example Mon Jul 14, 02:52 PM
Oakland Raiders LB Sio Moore recently said veteran teammates LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck make him aspire to be great like they are. Moore said they bring a higher level of expectations and energy that he wants to be a part of.
Link to storySio Moore player page
Raiders | Connection with Andre Johnson Thu Jul 10, 09:34 PM
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie shares an agent with Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson. The connection could make Oakland a possible landing spot for the disgruntled receiver, according to Ian Rapoport.
| Footballguys view: Adding Johnson is a pipe dream scenario for the Raiders. They have a poor group of wide receivers, and their top target is veteran James Jones. If added to the Raiders, Johnson would once again be catching passes from Matt Schaub. We'll see Schaub begin the season as the starter with rookie Derek Carr as the developmental quarterback of the future. |
Andre Johnson player page
Raiders | Plan to run the ball often Tue Jul 8, 12:31 PM
Oakland Raiders OT Donald Penn hinted that the team will be a run-first squad this year. 'We're gonna run the ball, run the ball, then run it again, until the defense stops us,' Penn said.
| Footballguys view: We're sure the Raiders want to run the ball a lot, but game scripts may not cooperate. Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Latavius Murray could be the beneficiaries of this philosophy, but if they are splitting the running game up with no true lead back, it will be frustrating for fantasy. |
Maurice Jones-Drew player page
Darren McFadden player page
Marcel Reece player page
Raiders | Plan to run it often Tue Jul 8, 10:56 AM
Oakland Raiders OT Donald Penn said the team plans to run the ball often in 2014. 'We're gonna run the ball, run the ball, then run it again, until the defense stops us,' Penn said.
Link to storyMaurice Jones-Drew player page
Darren McFadden player page
Raiders | Taiwan Jones improving, excited for new season Mon Jul 7, 04:05 PM
Oakland Raiders CB Taiwan Jones is watching more film, studying playbooks and learning from teammates to get better for the upcoming season. Jones said he and the team are working harder and doing the extra work 'that you expect from a championship team.'
Link to storyTaiwan Jones player page
Raiders | Defensive front could be flexible Wed Jul 2, 10:27 AM
Oakland Raiders LBs Miles Burris or Sio Moore could move to inside linebacker with LB Nick Roach, and either Burris or Moore would say outside with OLB Khalil Mack.
| Footballguys view: The Raiders are continuing to build their team under the guidance of GM Reggie McKenzie. The offense certainly has a lot of work to do, but the defense has some nice pieces in place. The team will need to get after the quarterback as they play in a division that features Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers. If the Raiders want to win more than a small handful of games, they'll need their defense to come through. |
Nick Roach player page
Miles Burris player page
Sio Moore player page
Khalil Mack player page
Raiders | David Ausberry impressed during offseason workouts Mon Jun 30, 05:11 PM
Oakland Raiders TE David Ausberry was the leading tight end in the offseason workouts, according to ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez.
| Footballguys view: He's an intimidating presence on the football field with the ability to be a decent move tight end. Ausberry is fully recovered from the shoulder injury, which cost him the 2013 season. He will compete with second-year TE Mychal Rivera for targets. |
David Ausberry player page
Mychal Rivera player page
Raiders | Khalil Mack drawing praise Mon Jun 30, 04:44 PM
Oakland Raiders LB Khalil Mack's athleticism is drawing praise from DT Pat Sims. Sims also noted Mack can play almost any position in the front seven.
| Footballguys view: Mack is one of the best young pass-rushers in the rookie class. It will be interesting to see how much havoc he can wreak from multiple positions in 2014. |
Khalil Mack player page
Raiders | Maurice Jones-Drew contemplated retirement Sun Jun 29, 04:29 PM
Oakland Raiders RB Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) considered retiring after the 2013 season. 'For awhile, I was contemplating retirement because I just didn't feel like I had it anymore,' Jones-Drew said earlier this month. 'But that wasn't the case. My trainer helped me get back in shape and gain that foundation that I'd lost with the surgery.'
| Footballguys view: Jones-Drew is competing with Darren McFadden to be the Raiders' starter this season. We'll see the battle unfold in training camp. McFadden may be the more explosive back at this point in their careers, but he's best used in a part-time role so he doesn't get worn down. We could see Jones-Drew start for the team but lose out on plenty of playing time in a RBBC. |
Maurice Jones-Drew player page
Raiders | David Ausberry could be a receiving threat Mon Jun 23, 04:49 PM
Oakland Raiders TE David Ausberry could be a receiving threat this upcoming season, according to head coach Dennis Allen. Ausberry said he feels more comfortable in the offense, after missing the entire 2013 season with a shoulder injury.
| Footballguys view: This is a situation for dynasty owners to watch. Ausberry could be a security blanket for QB Matt Schaub this season. However, we're not going after him in re-draft leagues. In dynasty leagues, Ausberry is a player worth monitoring his progress. |
David Ausberry player page
Mychal Rivera player page
Raiders | Kevin Burnett in LB mix Fri Jun 20, 04:59 PM
Oakland Raiders LB Kevin Burnett (ankle) remains in the mix at the weakside linebacker spot with LBs Miles Burris and Sio Moore, despite missing the offseason program with an ankle injury, according to head coach Dennis Allen.
Link to storyKevin Burnett player page
Miles Burris player page
Sio Moore player page
Raiders | Three in mix for punt-return duties Fri Jun 20, 04:57 PM
Oakland Raiders WR Denarius Moore, CB Travis Carrie and WR Greg Jenkins are in the mix for the punt-return duties.
Link to storyDenarius Moore player page
Greg Jenkins player page
Raiders | Jonathan Dowling standing out Fri Jun 20, 04:50 PM
Oakland Raiders SS Jonathan Dowling has stood out during the team's minicamp, intercepting a pass from QB Derek Carr Thursday, June 19.
Link to story Raiders | Travis Carrie impressing Fri Jun 20, 04:49 PM
Oakland Raiders CB Travis Carrie impressed during the team's workout Thursday, June 19, and has been working with the second team. CBs D.J. Hayden (ankle) and Carlos Rogers (calf) have been out, so Carrie has seen time with the first team, as well. Carrie is also in the mix to be the team's punt returner.
Link to story Raiders | David Ausberry, Mychal Rivera working with first team Fri Jun 20, 03:49 PM
Oakland Raiders TEs David Ausberry and Mychal Rivera have been working with the first-team offense during minicamp and both players have nice pass-catching abilities. However, neither player is much of a blocker, and the team is still looking for a blocking tight end to stand out on the roster.
| Footballguys view: Rivera is the player to watch here. He flashed at times as a rookie last year, and he's got good upside as a move tight end because he's athletic down the seam. Dynasty owners should be monitoring his progress with the Raiders. |
David Ausberry player page
Mychal Rivera player page
Raiders | Latavius Murray set to be No. 3 RB Fri Jun 20, 03:36 PM
Oakland Raiders RB Latavius Murray seems to be the team's No. 3 running back at this point in the offseason behind RBs Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. RB Kory Sheets has also been playing well, though. "We're looking for big things from Latavius Murray right now, coming off the foot injury. He's shown, to me, the biggest upside right now in what we've seen thus far, if he can stay healthy,' offensive coordinator Greg Olson said.
| Footballguys view: We like Murray's upside as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. However, when the team kept Darren McFadden around then added Maurice Jones-Drew in free agency, it pushed Murray down the depth chart. He has to stay healthy and be patient for his opportunity with the Raiders. |
Kory Sheets player page
Latavius Murray player page
Raiders | Miles Burris impressing Fri Jun 20, 03:36 PM
Oakland Raiders LB Miles Burris is pleasing the coaching staff, and he has been seeing a lot of action with the first-team defense on the weakside in offseason workouts.
Link to storyMiles Burris player page
Raiders | Austin Howard misses practice Thu Jun 19, 08:36 PM
Oakland Raiders OG Austin Howard (finger) did not participate in practice Thursday, June 19, because of a finger injury. He will undergo X-rays on his injured finger.
Link to story Raiders | Derek Carr entering camp as No. 2 QB Thu Jun 19, 08:35 PM
Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said QB Derek Carr will enter training camp as the No. 2 quarterback.
| Footballguys view: Zero surprise here. Carr is the quarterback of the future for the Raiders. He'll have an opportunity to beat out Matt Schaub for the starting job in training camp. Even if Carr doesn't win the job for Week 1, we should see him start at some point this season. |
Derek Carr player page
Raiders | James Jones injures shoulder Thu Jun 19, 07:56 PM
Oakland Raiders WR James Jones (shoulder) suffered a sprained shoulder during practice Tuesday, June 17, but head coach Dennis Allen said he should be fine for training camp.
| Footballguys view: This is the last thing Jones needed. He's the Raiders WR1 this year, and the team is counting on him to be a weapon in the revamped passing game. His current ADP is WR52 (11.09) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
James Jones player page
Raiders | David Gilreath cut Thu Jun 19, 09:19 AM
The Oakland Raiders released WR David Gilreath.
| Footballguys view: The Raiders have a glut of "just another guy" receivers and Gilreath had very little shot to make the roster anyway. |
David Gilreath player page
Raiders | Waive David Gilreath Wed Jun 18, 05:57 PM
The Oakland Raiders waived WR David Gilreath Wednesday, June 18.
Link to storyDavid Gilreath player page
Raiders | Claim Emmett Cleary Wed Jun 18, 05:51 PM
The Oakland Raiders were awarded OT Emmett Cleary (Buccaneers) off waivers Wednesday, June 18.
Link to story Raiders | Andre Holmes rising on depth chart Fri Jun 13, 12:08 PM
Oakland Raiders WR Andre Holmes reportedly has passed WR Denarius Moore as the team's No. 3 wide receiver on the depth chart.
| Footballguys view: We'll see if Holmes can continue his rise before the regular season. The Raiders have a bunch of question marks on the depth chart behind free agent addition James Jones. |
Denarius Moore player page
Andre Holmes player page
Raiders | Derek Carr better than they thought Fri Jun 13, 09:12 AM
Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said QB Derek Carr has made significant improvement in his brief time with the team. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said Carr is a lot better than they thought he would be.
| Footballguys view: That's a good thing right? Carr should look good in practice. He looked good in practice at the Senior Bowl earlier this year. However, his game falls apart when he's under pressure. Carr struggles to go through his progressions quickly when the heat is on. We're not going to go crazy about this kid until we see how he does when the tackling is live in the preseason. He'll likely replace Matt Schaub as the starter at some point during the year. |
Derek Carr player page
Raiders | Kevin Burnett, Justin Tuck sit out Mon Jun 9, 06:48 PM
Oakland Raiders LB Kevin Burnett (undisclosed) and DE Justin Tuck (undisclosed) did not take part in organized team activities Monday, June 9.
Link to storyKevin Burnett player page
Justin Tuck player page
Raiders | D.J. Hayden could be out until camp Mon Jun 9, 06:43 PM
Oakland Raiders CB D.J. Hayden (ankle) could be held out until training camp with an ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago in the offseason program.
Link to storyD.J. Hayden player page
Raiders | James Jones injury update Mon Jun 9, 03:52 PM
Updating a previous report, Oakland Raiders WR James Jones (hamstring) did not participate in organized team activities Monday, June 9, because of a hamstring injury.
| Footballguys view: Hamstring injuries are known to linger if not given proper time to heal. The Raiders should be careful with Jones moving forward. He's likely their best receiver out of a poor group on the depth chart. |
James Jones player page
Raiders | Darren McFadden works as returner Mon Jun 9, 03:47 PM
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden worked as a kick returner during organized team activities Monday, June 9. Head coach Dennis Allen would not rule out the possibility of McFadden being used as returner this upcoming season.
| Footballguys view: McFadden has big-play ability in the open field because he has speed to beat angles. His injury history is a long one, and that may limit how many times the team uses him as a return man. He'll split time this year with Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield. |
Darren McFadden player page
Raiders | Lucas Nix not practicing Mon Jun 9, 02:41 PM
Oakland Raiders OG Lucas Nix (undisclosed) did not practice Monday, June 9.
Link to story Raiders | James Jones works with trainer Mon Jun 9, 02:38 PM
Oakland Raiders WR James Jones (undisclosed) worked on his routes and running off to the side with an athletic trainer at organized team activities Monday, June 9.
| Footballguys view: Jones is set to be the lead target for the Raiders this year. We're not thrilled about the Raiders passing game this season no matter if Matt Schaub or Derek Carr is the starting quarterback. Jones has a current ADP or WR51 (11.08) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
James Jones player page
Raiders | D.J. Hayden still in boot Mon Jun 9, 02:12 PM
Oakland Raiders CB D.J. Hayden (ankle) is not participating in organized team activities Monday, June 9, and is still wearing a walking boot to protect his injured ankle.
| Footballguys view: This is not considered a serious injury, but we may not see Hayden until training camp. He has injury concerns after getting up on Injured Reserve last year with a groin injury. Hayden will start opposite Carlos Rogers if he's healthy this season. |
D.J. Hayden player page
Raiders | Derek Carr could push Matt Schaub Sun Jun 8, 05:23 PM
There is an internal belief that Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr could push QB Matt Schaub to start. He has already proven to the staff he won't need to sit on the sidelines in the 2014 season.
| Footballguys view: Carr is the quarterback of the future for the Raiders. He'll take over as the starter eventually, and his time may come sooner than some think. Schaub is trying to bounce back after a disappointing 2013 season. The veteran may not be able to hold off the rookie for long. |
Matt Schaub player page
Derek Carr player page
Raiders | Gabe Jackson signed Thu Jun 5, 07:06 PM
The Oakland Raiders have signed third-round draft choice OG Gabe Jackson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but all contracts signed by draft picks are four-year deals, according to NFL rules.
| Footballguys view: We loved the selection of Jackson. He's a position versatile player with strength, toughness and agility. His determined attitude should be infectious across the line, and we feel he could start from day one. |
Raiders | Sign Michael Palardy Thu Jun 5, 05:44 PM
The Oakland Raiders signed PK Michael Palardy Thursday, June 5. Teams of the deal were not disclosed.
Link to story Raiders | Waive three Thu Jun 5, 05:42 PM
The Oakland Raiders waived WR Noel Grigsby, P Daniel Zychlinski and WR Jared Green Thursday, June 5.
Link to story Raiders | Sign Rahsaan Vaughn Thu Jun 5, 02:24 PM
The Oakland Raiders signed WR Rahsaan Vaughn (Jets) Thursday, June 5. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Another bottom of the roster addition, a guy who won't last longer than training camp barring extraordinary circumstances. |
Raiders | Sign David Gilreath Thu Jun 5, 02:23 PM
The Oakland Raiders signed WR David Gilreath (Steelers) Thursday, June 5. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Gilreath was out of the league last year and is just a warm body for training camp. |
David Gilreath player page
Raiders | David Ausberry has run with first team Wed Jun 4, 09:18 PM
Oakland Raiders TE David Ausberry (shoulder) has performed well early in the offseason program and has consistently run with the first-team offense. He is battling TEs Mychal Rivera and Nick Kasa for the starting job.
Link to storyDavid Ausberry player page
Nick Kasa player page
Mychal Rivera player page
Raiders | Interested in Jermichael Finley Wed Jun 4, 02:51 PM
The Oakland Raiders have expressed interest in free-agent TE Jermichael Finley (Packers).
| Footballguys view: The Raiders currently have Mychal Rivera as their top tight end. The second-year player has intriguing upside because of his ability to create mismatches against linebackers or safeties. We'll see Finley added to a roster this year, and he can contribute as a move tight end because of his athletic ability. |
Jermichael Finley player page
Raiders | Charles Woodson could play beyond 2014 Tue Jun 3, 07:06 PM
Oakland Raiders FS Charles Woodson is considering playing past the 2014 season, even though he seriously thought about retiring this offseason. Woodson only wants to play for the Raiders, too. "Going off of how I feel health-wise, I'm not looking at this being the last year," Woodson said. "I'm going to enjoy every moment of this experience because you never know how it's going to turn out. You look at what they've done here and you see the draft they've had -- we're going to be a good team. If that means playing this year and beyond, I'll be open to it."
Link to storyCharles Woodson player page
Raiders | Derek Carr inconsistent in red-zone drills Tue Jun 3, 03:37 PM
Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr made several nice passes into tight windows during red-zone drills Monday, June 2. Carr also misfired on a couple passes, including one that sailed directly off the hands of CB Taiwan Jones in the back of the end zone.
| Footballguys view: Carr's a rookie who is known to struggle in pressure situations. That's the biggest detriment to his game. Carr has a strong arm but he needs to have better pocket presence in order to play up to his potential as a pro. |
Derek Carr player page
Raiders | Kevin Burnett's role up in the air Mon Jun 2, 10:54 PM
Oakland Raiders LB Kevin Burnett's role for the upcoming season is uncertain. With the team drafting LB Khalil Mack, and potentially using him on the strong side as a starter with LB Sio Moore starting on the weak side, the Raiders could go to a 3-4 base defense or the team would trade Burnett.
Link to storyKevin Burnett player page
Raiders | Sio Moore getting look at weak-side LB Mon Jun 2, 10:53 PM
Oakland Raiders LB Sio Moore is being looked at potentially as a starter at the weak-side position, with rookie LB Khalil Mack sliding into Moore's strong-side role. 'I did this in college,' Moore said. 'Moving from (strong side) to (weak side), that's nothing abnormal.'
Link to storySio Moore player page
Khalil Mack player page
