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Sunday, 25 August 2013

2013 Team Outlook: Oakland Raiders

10:49

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A fantasy football preview of the Oakland Raiders this season. Profiled players include Matt Flynn, Tyler Wilson, Terrelle Pryor, Darren McFadden, and Marcel Reece.by Shawn Larabee, Friday, August 16, 2013 9:27:28 PM CDT FFToolbox.com

Flynn was brought in to Seattle last season as the presumptive starter, but was upstaged by Russell Wilson. Wilson's otherworldly play made Flynn (and his large contract) expendable. The Raiders were quick to pounce and now have Flynn slotted in as their starter, though he'll once again face competition. We don't yet have a clear picture of Flynn's NFL capability, and the fact he will be playing in Oakland's weak offense makes him far from a sure pick in fantasy drafts.

Terrelle Prior is penciled in as no. 2 right now, but he's on shaky ground. Though extremely mobile, he hasn't impressed anyone with his accuracy or decision-making. Wilson, on the other hand, has huge arm strength, good accuracy and reportedly made an impression on Oakland coaches with his better than expected composure. Not only could Wilson pass Pryor, he might just find himself vying with Flynn for the top job before long.

Don't discount Terrelle Pryor making an appearance under center at some point this season. Honestly, looking at the other options on the team, he may be the best play maker of the three quarterbacks on the roster. There was some doubt he'd even play quarterback at this level, suggesting that a switch to wide receiver or tight end made more sense. He ran a 40 in under 4.4 seconds, hard to believe for a 6 foot 4 man weighing over 230 pounds. The last pick of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has worked hard this offseason to rebuild his throwing motion, unlocking his upper body to improve his accuracy. He has flashed well and showed promise in the preseason through both the air and on the ground. Could be a sleeper in the Oakland offense, since, well, they're likely to be behind in most games.

A change in offensive coordinator will mercifully move McFadden away from the zone blocking scheme that hamstrung his production in 2012. After averaging just under 59 yards per game in Greg Knapp's scheme, he'll be looking forward to more north-south running under new OC Greg Olson. His numbers will improve, but he likely won't make the leap to elite status until Oakland shores up its offensive line.

Reece was a quiet PPR star last season. The sometimes fullback caught 52 passes for nearly 500 yards while chipping in 4.6 yards per carry on the ground. He's certainly done enough to earn a role this season and may take over third down duties from McFadden.

Jennings famously crapped out in Jacksonville after being handed the starter's job during Maurice Jones-Drew's holdout. He'll wear last season's 2.8 yards per carry average like an albatross around his neck and likely won't see extended action.


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