Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker continues to see the field at a very high rate, but his production has been suboptimal lately. Just last week, Tucker played 92 percent of the Raiders' offensive snaps but caught just two passes for 41 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has just six catches for 66 yards over his last three games, ranking as the overall WR81 in PPR leagues during that span. While Tucker does have higher upside this week against a Saints defense allowing the sixth-most catches, fifth-most receiving yards, and seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, his recent track record makes him tough to trust in lineups, especially as we reach the heart of the fantasy playoffs. Tucker can be benched in most fantasy formats, and even in deep leagues, he's nothing more than a mere dart throw.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers delivered a hot stretch of high-volume performances before coming down to earth with just two receptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. He'll look to bounce back with more targets and receptions in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints. Meyers ranks as the overall WR23 in PPR leagues since the Davante Adams trade, totaling 48 catches, 570 yards, and one touchdown during that eight-game span. While Meyers' involvement and productivity has been good (for the most part), his lack of touchdowns is clearly lowering his fantasy ceiling. This has always been an issue for Meyers, even dating back to his time in New England. He didn't score his first career touchdown until his third season with the Patriots, and he has just two scores through 13 contests this year. Fortunately, he's about to take on a Saints defense allowing the sixth-most catches, fifth-most receiving yards, and seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. Even without significant touchdown upside, Meyers' role and favorable matchup should get him into the low-end WR2 tier for fantasy football in Week 17.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah has quietly been one of the more impactful running backs in fantasy football over the last two weeks, and he'll look to build on his hot streak during this Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New Orleans Saints. Over the Raiders' last two contests, Abdullah has played fewer than half of the offensive snaps but still managed to total 46 rushing yards, 12 catches, 105 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Despite operating as the Raiders' No. 2 running back, he ranks as the overall RB11 in PPR leagues during that two-week span. While we can't bank on Abdullah finding the end zone for a third week in a row, we do like his odds against a Saints defense that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns in 2024. Plus, he should continue to thrive as a pass-catcher, which has been Abdullah's specialty throughout his entire career. New Orleans is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024, and managers could certainly justify deploying him as a mid-range RB3 amidst his hot stretch of games.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison remains on the fantasy radar given his ability to catch passes and score touchdowns. The 26-year-old had previously been benched in favor of Sincere McCormick, but after McCormick landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, Mattison returned to his starting job last Sunday. The 26-year-old mustered just 2.3 yards per carry against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he made an impact (especially in PPR leagues) with seven targets, four catches, and 29 receiving yards. He also scored a touchdown. Fantasy managers should be excited to watch Mattison perform against a New Orleans Saints defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. In addition to remaining an impactful touchdown scorer and pass catcher, Mattison could see his ground efficiency improve given that the Saints have allowed a staggering 4.9 yards per carry. He remains a mid-range RB3/FLEX play this Sunday in New Orleans.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains a top fantasy football option given his high volume and productivity. The rookie should continue to be started in all leagues ahead of his Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Bowers ranks first among tight ends in fantasy points this year, and he's coming off a big game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in which he caught 11 of 13 targets for 99 yards through the air. In fact, he was so productive that he vultured opportunities from wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who finished last week with a season-low two catches. Even in a slightly tougher matchup against the Saints, who are allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2024, we expect that Bowers will continue to feast. For the most part, he has proven that he is already matchup-proof, routinely posting top fantasy performances. He should be started in all leagues as the fantasy playoffs continue.