Key In On Raiders Athletes for Waiver Wire Additions

Don’t look now but the Oakland Raiders have something in the works. For the first time in quite awhile there is cohesiveness as a team. Not because of necessary disciplinary action either. Adjustments by upper management to retool the coaching staff have translated to a young team with confidence.

Marking a footprint as an offensive juggernaut on a weekly basis.

Fantasy owners this is just the tip of the iceberg on fantasy production. Only a month in and this team has dealt with a series of injuries. At wide receiver alone, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jacoby Ford, Chaz Schilens, and Louis Murphy have all been sidelined.

Names that are not absentees from past years of fantasy relevance. Yet, all are widely available in the majority of leagues.

With an offense ranking currently 7^th in the NFL, and boasting in the top ranks of many statistical categories. To no surprise, Darren McFadden has been the main catalyst of the offense. Fueling off of last years breakout campaign by starting the first month on past to oust 2010.

Already McFadden has 600 all-purpose yards and is supplanting the anchor of top running back from Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson. Possessing the power to mow over defenders, and speed to warp in Sonic-Hedgehog velocity.

Speculating on McFadden’s injury history just raises his backups value. Michael Bush could be a starter for many teams in the NFL. Deciding to resign with the Raiders for a one year deal, Bush is looking to ring the ears of front offices with his play this season.

Prior years Bush has filled in when needed and performed well.

Thus far he has been a touchdown machine. Scoring a touchdown in each of the Raiders last three games. Against the Patriots Sunday, he even displayed an ability to catch the football out of the backfield.

Racking four catches for over fifty yards.

There is only upside for Bush the rest of the season. His ankle should be fine from the game Sunday. How he is available in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues is stupefying.

Sorting out Raiders viable fantasy receivers now that they’re returning to health, is going to be tracked like a Powerball ticket. Jason Campbell is rifling throws to his speedy receivers. Averaging a high amount of downfield throws while maintaining the 9^th best quarterback accuracy in the NFL.

Unheralded rookie wide receiver Denarius Moore looks to have solidified a starting job. Who do you discount then amongst the rest of the receivers?

Chaz Schilens from Gilbert Highland High once made an impact for the Raiders as a 7^th round gem. Issues have been persistent for Schilens revolving around health woes. The last two seasons he has failed to play more than fifty percent of the teams games.

A physical presence at 6’4, Schilens is a big target that differentiates from the rest of the Raiders receivers. An on-field skirmish Sunday involving Schilens, shows his Raider toughness. From a fantasy impact though, Schilens can not be counted on.

Turn to Jacoby Ford who is available in over 70 percent of Yahoo leagues. Oakland limited his plays Sunday as they try to work Ford back into the offense. Every time he scored a touchdown last year it was a highlight reel electrifying play.

A small guy at 5’9, Ford could remain buried behind emerging receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore.

Big plays will still happen with Ford but likely at a decline from a year ago. Keep an eye on Ford if injuries occur ahead of him on the depth chart.

Investments gone bad has been the story for the Raiders. One that they did not give up on was Darrius Heyward-Bey. Drafted in 2009, Bey disappointed so bad that Schilens past him up on the depth chart as a 7^th round pick.

Re-dedication on improving seems to have been instilled on Bey. Maintaining consistency on a week to week basis needs to be his next step.

There will not be any patience for Bey’s inconsistency. He’ll need to show up each week or Ford will surpass him. Fantasy owners obviously do not trust Bey as he is widely available in 99 percent of Yahoo leagues.

You won’t be able to find weapons available for fantasy leagues such as the Raiders have. Not from an offense ranking towards the top of the league. Green Bay, New England, Detroit, New York Giants, Philadelphia, etc, all have receivers snatched up by the vast majority of fantasy leagues.

Do not wait for a continued rise in the Raiders offense. Substitute an unneeded drafted bench warmer for one of the Raiders athletes with obvious upside.