AFC West Predictions: San Diego Chargers Lead the Pack

WhatIfSports.com by Senior Analyst Written on June 13, 2008
Tomlinson_feature
(Page 5 of 6)
4-12

Most Significant Newcomer: DeAngelo Hall, CB—Darren McFadden is the sexiest choice here, but Hall cannot be ignored. He is close to a shutdown corner who can still make plays. Plus, with defenses shying away from his side, watch for Nnamdi Asomugha to approach, if not exceed, his interception total of 2006 (8).

Biggest Strength: Intercepting—Not only do the Raiders have Hall and Asomugha, they have two of the best pass-defending linebackers in Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. That tandem combined for a remarkable 10 interceptions in 2007. And we have not even mentioned Gibril Wilson, who led the Super Bowl champion Giants in interceptions with four. Opposing quarterbacks could be in trouble against the Raiders. Fans in the first few rows should expect a few passes.

Most Exploitable Weakness: Being Intercepted—JaMarcus Russell made his share of mistakes in limited play as a rookie. That will likely continue for at least another season in Oakland. The simulated season has Oakland intercepting 23 passes, but throwing 22.

Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Drew Carter, WR—Some may look at our numbers and put tight end Zach Miller here. We think so highly of him that it's hard to call him a sleeper. So, we went for the No. 3 wideout, Drew Carter. Al Davis loves deep threats and Carter can be that guy. Ronald Curry is the possession receiver and Javon Walker is an injury waiting to happen, so Carter should get an opportunity to shine. We have the former Buckeye at 28 catches for 509 yards and three touchdowns.

Closest Game: @ New Orleans (Week Six)—It is feast or famine for Oakland, who is only between a 40-60 percent favorite in one game all year (that is almost unheard of in the NFL). The Saints are still favored by nine points, but the Raiders will have the bye week to prepare for the trip to New Orleans, so they may just get out of there with a victory.

Fantasy Notables: JaMarcus Russell (25) 2,806 yards, 19 TDs, 18 INTs; Justin Fargas (23) 1,330 yards, 11 TDs; Darren McFadden (27) 1,113 total yards, 10 TDs; Javon Walker (36) 46 receptions, 815 yards, 5 TDs; Zach Miller (7) 58 receptions, 660 yards, 4 TDs; Sebastian Janikowski (27) 41/41 XPs, 22/34 FGs

Projected 2008 Results

(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

4 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

1,128
reads

4
comments

written on June 13, 2008 Preview/Prediction

The best Chiefs newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address