Fantasy Brothers will be venturing into some of the more muddled backfields to try an make sense of who’s leading the pack, who’s falling out of favor and who may be your best fantasy option come game day. Our first trip takes us to Oakland.
First off, I need to start by saying Al Davis is a disgrace to football. Secondly, JaMarcus Russell is the worst starting quarterback in the history of the NFL. In two games this season, Russell has thrown just 19 completions on 54 attempts with one touchdown, and two interceptions.
That being said, the Raiders were seconds away from upsetting the Chargers in week one, and are now 1 -1 after a week two victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. One part in Oakland’s success has been an improved defense. The second has been the development of a legitimate running back tandem. Through two weeks, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush have been the only bright spots in the Black Hole.
Week 1 vs. San Diego:
McFadden: 17 rushes, 68 yards, 2 receptions, 25 yards receiving
Bush: 12 rushes, 55 yards, 1 TD, 1 reception, 4 yards receiving
Week 2 vs. Kansas City:
McFadden: 12 rushes, 35 yards, 1TD, 2 receptions, 20 yards receiving
Bush: 9 rushes, 35 yards, 1 reception, 17 yards receiving
Thus far it’s as close as it gets to equal touches. Justin Fargas is due to make his way back to the stable, but I would not consider him a threat to Bush’s or McFadden’s value. The Raiders should continue with a two-headed attack – with each having equal opportunities near the goal-line. McFadden possesses gifted athletic ability and will eventually perform his way into a more lop-sided time share in his favor. He has superior receiving skills and has another gear in the open field. The Raiders should be playing from behind most of the time, so expect RunDMC to get more opportunities in the passing game. Bush thrives between the tackles but also has the shiftiness to make defenders miss. Given his build, he may see more snaps in short-yardage scenarios and near the goal-line. Oakland is completely in void of play-makers. Zach Miller and Chaz Schilens can be as athletically gifted as they want – the fact remains that their fantasy success depends on JaMarcus Russell’s ability to quarterback. Expect the Raider’s offense to be lead on the gound. Defenses will stack the box until Russell proves that they shouldn’t. McFadden has the upside that will often warrant a fantasy start, but in no means is he a weekly given. Bush will be a match-up dependant play and may be a sneaky flex start from time to time in non-PPR formats. Fargus is not worth a roster spot in any league.