Carson Palmer to Oakland Raiders: Do Oakland Receivers Get a Fantasy Bump?

With Carson Palmer under center for the Raiders, the speedy Oakland receivers and tight ends will become more consistent fantasy league options.

Palmer struggled with decision making and accuracy the past couple of years in Cincinnati and injured his elbow in 2008. Since then, he hasn't displayed the same type of skills that made him a top-tier quarterback from '05 to '07.

Last year was particularly rough for Palmer, as he tossed 20 picks to 26 touchdowns with a passer rating in the low 80s.

Despite these troubling signs, the Raiders are getting a quarterback who is looking to bounce back with a contending team. At 31 years old, this may be his last chance to make a run with a team talented enough to make the playoffs.

In addition, Palmer has the type of strong, reliable arm that can hit the quick Oakland receivers streaking down field.

Darrius Heyward-Bey and Kevin Boss in particular will become fantasy stand-bys. Heyward-Bey is starting to show that he isn't such a bust of a former first-rounder, with 22 receptions for 345 yards on the season.

Right now he averages 69 yards per game, but expect that number to climb to 85-90 yards per game with Palmer under center.

Kevin Boss has not been used much this year as a pass-catching tight end for the Raiders. Look for that to change as Palmer gets his feet under him and looks to the big Boss for check-downs and easy completions over the middle.

Denarius Moore, meanwhile, has had an impressive rookie campaign thus far. He should also benefit from the addition of Palmer, however, Moore should remain a bye week play. Other talented wideouts for the Raiders like Louis Murphy and Jacoby Ford (who had a nice kick return in Week 6) could also emerge in the coming weeks.

Be sure to watch these receivers as the Raiders season progresses. One (or more) of these guys could help lead your fantasy team to a late push in the year.