2021 NFL Betting and Fantasy Team Preview: Las Vegas Raiders
Jon Gruden has yet to finish with a winning record as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, but he has improved each season since taking over in 2018. If that trend continues, the Raiders will finish above .500 in 2021, one year after going 8-8 and placing 2nd in the AFC West. There’s no question tight end Darren Waller will play a pivotal role in their very hypothetical success.
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Las Vegas Raiders Team Betting Preview
Win Total (over):6.5 (-145)
Games Favored:3
Games as a TD Favorite:0
Games as a TD Underdog:6
Despite the upward trend during the Gruden era, Raider Nation shouldn’t get their hopes up that it will continue. Oddsmakers project the Raiders to finish 7-10. The Raiders will miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season unless they exceed expectations by at least two games. Gruden is an overrated coach and Derek Carr isn’t talented enough to stay apace opposing offenses that will consistently score against one of the worst defenses in the league. Bet the under.
PICK: Under 7.5 Wins
Las Vegas Raiders Team Projections Preview
Projected Offense Rank:23
Projected Rush Offense Rating: Below Average
Projected Pass Offense Rating: Below Average
Projected Points Earned:375.5 (Rank 26)
Rushing Opponents:
Projected Difficult Rush Defenses Faced:7
Projected Soft Rush Defenses Faced:2
Passing Opponents:
Projected Difficult Pass Defenses Faced:6
Projected Soft Pass Defenses Faced:6
Team Defense Rank:27
Projected Rush Defense Rating:Weak
Projected Pass Defense Rating:Weak
Projected Points Allowed:445 (Rank 3)
Yikes. The Raiders project to have a bottom-four offense, yet somehow the their defensive outlook is even worse. This all checks out, too. Don’t let their 8-8 record fool you. If it weren’t for a fluke of a win against Kansas City and a last-minute touchdown in Week 17, the Raiders would have finished 6-10, which is more indicative of their talent than 8-8.
Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Football Preview
Noteworthy Depth Chart
QB: Derek Carr – Underdog Rank: QB19 (ADP QB25)
RB: Josh Jacobs – Underdog Rank: RB25 (ADP RB20)
RB: Kenyan Drake – Underdog Rank: RB44 (ADP RB42)
WR: Henry Ruggs – Underdog Rank: WR52 (ADP WR56)
WR: Bryan Edwards – Underdog Rank: WR69 (ADP WR72)
WR: John Brown – Underdog Rank: WR92 (ADP WR69)
TE: Darren Waller – Underdog Rank: TE2 (ADP TE2)
What’s New?: The Raiders bring in Kenyan Drake to deliver the second part of a one-two punch from the backfield. Unfortunately, as we alluded to above, Las Vegaswon’t be landing many of them. Regardless, Drake will have opportunity for fantasy production as the Raiders’ primary receiving back, as they’ll be playing catch-up more often than not.
What’s Uncertain?: Wide receiver Henry Ruggs largely disappointed in his rookie campaign, but he occasionally showed flashes of potential. In Week 5, Ruggs found pay dirt for the first time as pro, turning two receptions into 118 yards. He would find the end zone only once more and it wouldn’t come until Week 3, en route to 84 receiving yards on three receptions. The Alabama product needs to prove he can produce more than two out of 17 weeks…but will he?
Top Fantasy Play(s): Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs