Five Biggest Questions
1. Is Derek Carr a QB1?
2. Can Marshawn Lynch return to RB1 production?
3. Are DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard worth drafting?
4. Is Amari Cooper a WR1?
5. Will Michael Crabtree challenge Cooper for top-dog status at wideout?
A couple days ago, Derek Carr became the highest paid player in NFL history. 10 months ago, in my 14-team Fantasy Sports Writers Association league, I landed him in the 10th round after about 15-16 QBs were off the board. Carr went on to score the 11th most QB points despite missing Week 17 and despite being pretty ineffective (12.4 or fewer points) in six contests. Given who he's throwing to, the fourth-year franchise QB has a very high floor. His QB-7 ADP is about right; few will overlook him this year.
If you've been hibernating this offseason, you missed the Raiders' acquisition of Marshawn Lynch. After waiting three years for Latavius Murray to become "the guy," Oakland gave up barely nothing for a former marquee RB who--if he can perform--could help catapult the team to the AFC Championship game. That's not hyperbole for a squad that was 12-4 last year. Lynch's RB-10 ADP is either on point or insanely shortsighted. I need to see Lynch this preseason before judging. The 31-year-old could remind many doubters why Seattle gave up on him, or he could thrive running behind one of the league's elite offensive lines. If he shows well this summer, I'd reach for him one or two RBs early, taking the chance that a 1,000+ yard, 10-TD season--including all the 1st-and-goals he can handle--is realistic. Beyond him, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard did about as well as anyone could have expected in fill-in roles last season. Neither is worth handcuffing in most leagues, but in best ball, definitely take a very late-round flyer on one or both; if Lynch goes down, you'd get some easy points with little investment.
A lot of people hate on Amari Cooper because of inconsistency. Admittedly, I thought he'd take a bigger leap last season, though his 1,153/5 line placed him 13th among all fantasy WRs--nothing to sneeze at for an ascending 23-year-old. He'll be a WR1 this season. The only question is whether he'll jump into near-elite territory. In short, I want him on my team at his current WR-10 ADP. Teammate Michael Crabtree was one iota better in 2016, yet somehow owns a WR-23 ADP. Can someone explain that? I can't. The 29-year-old is, and likely will remain, undervalued all preseason. I won't discuss Cordarrelle Patterson, as I've never bought into him as a fantasy commodity, regardless of the buzz we sometimes hear out of camp. And Seth Roberts is fantasy irrelevant unless Cooper or Crabtree goes down.
And if you're hoping I'll discuss TEs Jared Cook or Clive Walford, sorry to disappoint. There are only four Raiders to like in fantasy, and when healthy, all four will be locked-in weekly fantasy starters.