The Raiders just can't seem to do anything right.
They have become the laughingstock of the NFL on and off the field, and the NFL Draft was a good example. They passed on Michael Crabtree to take Darrius Heyward-Bey as the first wide receiver at No. 7 overall and then selected safety Mike Mitchell in the second round when no one expected him to even be drafted.
Then pictures of franchise quarterback JaMarcus Russell surfaced this offseason that showed him partying probably more than he should, especially with veteran Jeff Garcia now waiting to steal his job. Oakland players and partying is never a good idea, right Javon Walker?
Fantasy owners have come to overlook Oakland the past few seasons based on a lack of talent, but that could change this season. The Raiders might not win many games, but they did bring in a key piece to improving their running game in fullback Lorenzo Neal. All Neal has done in his career is lead the way for some of the best running games in the NFL, including San Diego for LaDainian Tomlinson and Baltimore's trio of LeRon McClain, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice last year. Neal should open plenty of holes for Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. In the passing game, we're not big fans of Russell, but he could turn receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins into a decent Fantasy option as well as tight end Zach Miller. Don't consider Oakland a Fantasy wasteland in 2009.
Sleeper ... Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR
Higgins is another receiver who owners should look for a breakout season in his third year in the NFL, especially after a strong finish in 2008. For the season, Higgins had 22 catches for 366 yards and four touchdowns. But he closed the year with 12 catches for 174 yards and three touchdowns in his final three games. A lot will depend on Russell and his improvement at quarterback, but we think Russell can get the ball to Higgins enough to make him a viable option. You should plan on drafting Higgins as a No. 4 Fantasy receiver with a late-round pick, but the talent is there for him to improve. Coming into the season the Raiders plan on starting Higgins and Chaz Schilens, but if they decide to move rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey into the lineup, it's Schilens who will go to the bench.
Breakout ... Darren McFadden, RB
We called McFadden a bust last year, and due to injuries and inconsistent play, that's what he was. Two separate toe injuries robbed McFadden's development in his rookie year. He played through the pain for 13 games but was limited for most of the year. He finished with 113 carries for 499 yards and four touchdowns and 29 catches for 285 yard with two fumbles. He never got the chance to establish himself, which could be good for Fantasy owners this season since he should be 100 percent healthy. He also gets one of the best fullbacks in NFL history to block for him now in Neal. With Neal clearing the way, McFadden should thrive. He's a dual threat because of his receiving ability, and don't be surprised if he lines up in the Wildcat quite a bit. He will lose some carries to Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, but not enough to limit his value. We like McFadden as a No. 2 Fantasy running back this year. If he can stay healthy, he's worth drafting in the fourth round in all leagues.
Bust ... Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR
The Raiders appear to have cornered the market on wide receivers with three names with Heyward-Bey and Johnnie Lee Higgins. It's just too bad they don't play as well as Moss and Welker, Fitzgerald and Boldin or Owens and Evans. Heyward-Bey might turn into a talented rookie, but he has the pressure of being the best since he was selected first. The Raiders are also counting on him to team with Russell to bring back their legendary deep passing game, which is what owner Al Davis is longing for going back to the days of Ken Stabler, Cliff Branch and Fred Biletnikoff. Heyward-Bey is fast, as evidenced by his 4.3-second speed at the NFL combine, but he's not going to make enough plays to become a good Fantasy option. You have to avoid him in leagues where receptions count, and you also have to hope he and Russell can develop a good rapport to hit the deep ball consistently. Coming into the season, Heyward-Bey is already dealing with a hamstring problem, which is not good for a speed threat. And he's not expected to start with Higgins and Schilens ahead of him on the depth chart.
Training camp topics
Would the Raiders consider starting Jeff Garcia ahead of Russell if Garcia gave them a better chance to win? That's the biggest question heading into training camp. Garcia has looked better than Russell during the offseason and has the experience Russell lacks. Al Davis would probably not let that happen, but Garcia could make it hard on the coaches to just hand Russell the job. And it's not clear who would be the better Fantasy option because even though Russell has the bigger arm, Garcia is more accurate and can get the ball out quicker. Ultimately, Garcia might be better for players like McFadden, Higgins and Miller, while Russell is suited for getting the ball downfield to Heyward-Bey. We'll find out who wins the job in training camp, but the Raiders quarterback is a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
The backup running back job is also up for grabs with Bush chomping at the bit for more carries ahead of Fargas. Bush has more upside, but Fargas has been a good player for the Raiders the past two years. We would like Bush to get more touches, and he should be considered a sleeper. The receivers should also be in a battle with Higgins and Schilens the projected starters, but Davis likely wants Heyward-Bey on the field. We see Higgins and Miller the only viable Fantasy options from this group, but the starting quarterback and how he does will determine how good this passing game will be.
Injury update ... JaMarcus Russell (Ankle; considered probable to start training camp) ... Darren McFadden (Shoulder; considered probable to start training camp) ... Darrius Heyward-Bey (Hamstring; considered probable to start training camp) ... Javon Walker (Ankle; considered questionable to start training camp) ... Zach Miller (Hernia; considered probable to start training camp)
Are you ready for the 2009 Fantasy season? If not, we're here for you. Send us an e-mail at DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. We'll respond to as many as we can.
