Defense/ Special Teams
The Raiders made a lot of adjustments to their defense this season. They added Clelin Ferrell to their defensive line, Brandon Marshall & Vontaze Burfict to their linebacking core and Lamarcus Joyner to their secondary.
The two key things for Oakland in 2019 is turning their new additions into sacks and turnovers.
Last year the team finished last in the NFL with just 13 sacks. Adding Ferrell will certainly help, but overall Oakland’s pass rush remains one of the weakest in the NFL. In terms of Fantasy Football, getting the the quarterback is key. If the Raiders can’t do that their scoring potential is limited.
The Raiders also struggled when it comes to forcing fumbles. They finished last in the NFL with five. Every owner knows that forcing turnovers is key. The team must improve in this key aspect if they want to see ownership in 2019.
The team surprisingly did a nice job when it came to interceptions in 2018, finishing 14th with 14. If Gareon Conley continues to improve, he and Joyner have the makings of a solid secondary core.
While the Raiders may have improved their D heading into the season, they still are one of the worst in the league until proven otherwise. If they come out guns blazing, perhaps they surprise everyone. But for now, the Raiders defensive seems to be behind the offense at least in Fantasy Football.
Bottom Line: Raiders D/ST could be left on the waiver wire. Playing the Chiefs and Chargers twice a year doesn’t help. Until their turnovers and sacks increase, Oakland’s defense should remain unowned.
