The Oakland Raiders continue their short homestand with a potential statement game against the New England Patriots. The Raiders knocked off the New York Jets behind a dynamic offense powered by Darren McFadden. They'll look to do the same this week, but they also benefit from the expected return of wide receiver Jacoby Ford to the lineup. Wide receiver Denarius Moore has gotten off to a solid start in his rookie campaign, but adding Ford into the lineup could open Moore up for even more.
START
Darren McFadden
numberFire.com Projections: 15.53 FP - 97.45 rushing yards, 0.78 rushing touchdowns, 1.40 receptions, 10.29 receiving yards, 0.00 receiving touchdowns
Analysis: Run DMC had a slight scare last weekend as he left with a bit of a groin injury but he's been a full participant in practice. As long as McFadden is healthy he is proving to be one of the best in the business this season. He's a must-start.
Sebastian Janikowski
numberFire.com Projections: 8.83 FP - 1.61 FGM, 2.93 XPM
Analysis: Just plug and play with Seabass. The Raiders could end up in a shootout with the Patriots, which only benefits Janikowski.
Denarius Moore
numberFire.com Projections: 7.75 FP - 4.59 receptions, 59.32 receiving yards 0.30 touchdowns
Analysis: He's not at a must-start level yet, but Moore is becoming a better and better play each week. His numbers weren't quite as big in week three as they were in week two, but the Raiders are showing a willingness to mix him into reverses to get him the ball as frequently as possible. He's potentially emerging as a decent flex option.
SIT
Jacoby Ford
numberFire.com Projections: 5.51 FP - 3.40 receptions, 47.43 receiving yards 0.13 touchdowns
Analysis: Ford has been back at practice and will eventually be back to his explosive self. For this first game though I'd play it cautious and wait and see how he looks and how the Raiders will mix him back in with Moore.
Michael Bush
numberFire.com Projections: 2.99 FP - 14.44 rushing yards, 0.08 touchdowns
Analysis: Michael Bush remains no more than a handcuff for Darren McFadden at this point. Even a big game or two will not change that as long as McFadden stays healthy.
Our weekly Raiders sit/start suggestions are based on a combination of our knowledge as fans and the weekly projections of numberFire.com. Head over to numberFire.com to get a full breakdown of their weekly projections.