Fantasy Football: Should You Ignore Denarius Moore?

Ryan LesterJun 5, 2018

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore has fallen on hard times. He was once considered a quality No. 2 option for fantasy football teams. Lately, he hasn't even been a flex-play option. Can he be trusted going forward?

In Weeks 2-10, Moore averaged 71.9 yards per game with five touchdowns in eight games. That's an average of double-digit fantasy points in non-PPR (points per reception) leagues.

Recently, though, Moore has had his production scaled way back. In his last four games, Moore's high water mark is 43 yards. After scoring in five of his first eight games, he has only scored in one of his past four.

During this stretch, Moore is averaging two receptions per game for 25.8 yards per game.

The double-digit fantasy points per game that he experienced in the first eight games has been more than cut in half during his past four.

Darrius Heyward-Bey has become a more reliable threat at receiver for the Raiders. The top wide receiver option the past two weeks has been Rod Streater with seven catches for 196 yards and a touchdown.

Tight end Brandon Myers didn't show it on Thursday Night Football, but he has actually become Carson Palmer's favorite target in the passing game.

A further complication for Moore is the return of running back Darren McFadden. As long as he can stay healthy, Run DMC will see his share of touches.

Moore's outlook is bleak right now. I don't know how you can rely on him in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs or in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers.

Perhaps, he'll surprise us next week and get back on track, but right now he is too risky of an option to roll with.

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