The Las Vegas Raiders started their 2020 season against two opponents that… were not the New England Patriots, who are en route in Week 3.
While a team in transition on offense, the same cannot be said about the other side of the ball. New England’s defense remains stout, and head coach Bill Belichick is still leading the way. Because of Belichick, think like a real play-caller going against the Pats in terms of Raiders on fantasy football.
For decades now, the memo on Belichick has been out. What does his defense do? The Patriots do have a great secondary, but their game plan always surrounds taking a team’s best offensive playmaker and smothering them. The Raiders have lived through running back Josh Jacobs so far this season.
Considering New England’s prowess, look over to tight end Darren Waller in Week 3 instead. The Raiders’ leading receiver this season, Waller had a breakout Week 2 with 12 catches, 105 yards and a touchdown last week against the New Orleans Saints. We can’t guarantee that type of performance again, but somewhere between that and his Week 1 (6 catches, 45 yards), should be expected.
The Patriots do have among the league’s best secondary’s with the likes of Stephon Gilmore roaming around, but with Waller hanging around near the line of scrimmage and slot, he could find himself away from tougher coverage.
Such a performance will prove as a worthwhile investment on DraftKings as Waller’s salary is hovering just around their per-position average still ($5,555) as well at $5,700.
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