Week 10 Waiver Wire: Despite Mistakes, Carson Palmer Is Already a Must-Start

Carson Palmer is bad for the Raiders, but he can single-handedly save your fantasy team. It's been popular to start consistent quarterbacks like Matt Hasselbeck and Alex Smith, but Palmer's ability to put up elite numbers on any given day makes him a must-start.

Palmer threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns in his first start for Oakland. His three interceptions have to make the Raiders even more uneasy than they were after he yucked a trio of picks in his Raiders debut, but with the way they are utilizing him in the vertical passing game, he's a fantasy monster regardless of how many interceptions he throws.

Darren McFadden was banged up, but those who think Palmer will take on a decreased role upon his return are mistaken. Even with McFadden out, Michael Bush still got 19 carries. The most carries McFadden has had in a game is 22.

The Raiders haven't abandoned the run; they've just completely altered the way their passing game operates.

The Raiders got blown away. Palmer had a sub-80 QB rating on the day, and yet, he was amongst the top fantasy quarterbacks of the week. Regardless of how you feel about the Raiders completely switching up their passing game, from a fantasy standpoint, it's a thing of beauty.

Only Philip Rivers and Palmer threw for three or more touchdowns and 300-plus yards. Palmer has the potential to best Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers' numbers on any given week, and that is more enticing than anything Jason Campbell brought to fantasy owners.