Oakland host the Miami Dolphins this week in a matchup of .500 teams hungry to keep their playoff hopes alive. On paper, this looks like it will be a low scoring game, but the stats definitely point towards there being some fantasy points for some of the Raiders. Let’s take a look at who you should start and who you should sit.
QB Jason Campbell:
The Raiders showed last week that they would not hesitiate to have a quick trigger when it comes to pulling their QB. Of course, if Campbell is pulled this likely means things are not going so well for him in the ol’ fantasy or real life department. Either way, this week he is facing a stiff Miami pass defense, and passing yards will be hard to come by.
Outlook: Sit him
RB Darren McFadden:
Miami is 9th in yards allowed per carry, but they are 20th in rushing yards per game. This means teams are attacking them with the run. This falls right into McFadden and the Raiders preferred game plan. Look for McFadden to get plenty of touches and McFadden has shown when he gets enough opportunities, he is going to be productive. 27.3 percent of the Touchdowns scored against Miami have been via the rush, this is the 13th lowest number in the league. They have the 9th lowest number of rushing touchdowns allowed, but McFadden should get enough looks in the passing game to offset any worries of him getting in the endzone on the ground.
Outlook: Start Him
Oakland WRs:
See above about Campbell. Teams aren’t passing on Miami and Campbell isn’t adept at getting his WRs involved to begin with.
Outlook: Sit ’em
TE Zach Miller:
Zach Miller is listed as questionable, but unless he faces a setback, he will play and he should be closer to 100 percent then he was last week. Football Outsiders lists Miami as the 31st ranked team at defending TEs. This should play right into Campbell and Miller’s hands.
Outlook: Start Him
Oakland Defense:
Miami can protect the QB and it looks like they may be getting their Center back. Still, you can count on the Raiders at least getting a couple of sacks. The Dolphins have struggled with turnovers this year, especially QB Chad Henne, who has 11 interceptions. It does look like Henne is going to start and he is going to be limited mobility wise against a strong pass rush and without his number one WR, Brandon Marshall. This could make ripe for some turnovers.
Outlook: Start ’em
K Sebastian Janikowski
Miami’s defense is ranks third in redzone touchdowns allowed percentage. The Raiders’ offense is 25th in redzone touchdowns scored percentage. Sebastian Janikowski could get some chip shots in this one.
Outlook: Start Him