The Oakland Raiders have made a number of moves this offseason that has made the team better roster-wise than last year and that should translate into some quality fantasy players, with Darren McFadden topping the list over Matt Flynn and Denarius Moore.
Last season McFadden was injured and was not as valuable to fantasy owners as he could have been, while Denarius Moore is likely to get more points this season with the departure of Darrius Heyward-Bey and tight end Brandon Myers. McFadden has immense value for owners that play in points per reception leagues, as he is skilled at catching passes out of the backfield.
McFadden only had 707 yards rushing last season while playing in 12 games and scored two touchdowns, but he also made up for those numbers with 42 catches out of the backfield. Over the past three seasons, McFadden has made over 40 catches twice and for his career he has 158 receptions for 1,449 yards and that is one reason why he is a valuable fantasy player.
Something that owners may want to look into this season is the fact that McFadden is entering a contract year and that could motivate him to play well and stay on the field for the first time in his career. McFadden is considered an explosive and valuable running back in fantasy leagues due to his skills, but he has yet to play in 16 games in any season, missing four and nine games over the past two seasons.
McFadden's best season came in 2010 when he had 1,157 yards and seven rushing touchdowns to go along with 47 catches for 507 yards and three scores. The running back is expected to improve this season as he enters that final year and fantasy owners could be the biggest beneficiary of that. McFadden was hampered last season by injuries and the running scheme, but this year the Raiders are ready for a new one and that could open up things for both Matt Flynn and quarterback and McFadden at running back. Rashad Jennings could be a smart pickup to handcuff with McFadden, especially if the injury bug comes knocking again.
Matt Flynn could be a solid starter for a fantasy team depending on how many teams there are in the league and despite the Raiders losing their top receiver in Brandon Myers, Moore is expected to step up into the number one position and after a breakout season last year, he could do even more this time around. Moore had 51 catches for 741 yards and seven touchdowns last season and other receivers like Rod Streater and rookie Brice Butler along with Jacoby Ford could also put up bigger numbers if McFadden is healthy and keeps the running game consistent.
Fantasy rankings:
-Darren McFadden
-Matt Flynn
-Denarius Moore
-Rod Streater
-Nick Kasa