2010 Team Outlook: Oakland

Oakland was the wrong place to go fishing for fantasy points in 2009, unless you were in a tackle-heavy IDP league. Offensively, the Raiders built on a modern tradition of futility: 29th in the league in passing yardage, 31st in total offense, 31st in scoring. The only bright spots were Zach Miller -- the team's safety valve and leading receiver -- and (to a lesser degree) the McFadden/Bush running back combo. Wide receiver was a veritable wasteland thanks in small part to some poor pass-blocking and in much larger part to the league's lowest rated starting QB, JaMarcus Russell.

Miller will continue to be the star here, but there is also some growth potential at the other skill positions, so long as pass protection improves. Russell's departure is a definite step in the right direction for this team. Jason Campbell may not be the next Ken Stabler, but he's shown he can be an effective NFL passer.

QB Jason Campbell, OAK (QB - #22) - Bye Week Fill-in

Campbell was losing favor in Washington, but brings fresh hope to a Raiders team offense that was completely inept with JaMarcus Russell under center. Campbell hasn't put up outstanding numbers in the NFL, but he's shown considerable improvement during his four years and will certainly improve this Oakland team. Fantasy owners looking for a occasional fill-in at QB could do worse.

QB Bruce Gradkowski, OAK - Low Potential

Considering this team's pass-protection struggles over the last couple of seasons, it's worth acquainting ourselves with the likely handcuff to Jason Campbell. Meet (or remember) Bruce Gradkowski -- started 11 games for the Buccaneers in 2006 and later spent a brief stint in Cleveland. Gradkowski is a clipboard-holder who can be surprisingly effective when called upon to run an offense. In four starts with the Raiders last year, he threw five TDs against only one interception -- that includes a three-TD, 300-yard passing performance against the Steelers in week 13. Campbell is the man to start the season, but Gradkowski will be available to owners in deep leagues should things start to unravel in Oakland.

RB Darren McFadden, OAK (RB - #36) - Bust (overvalued)

Now in his third year (and having had plenty of opportunity to prove otherwise), McFadden clearly fits the bust label. It may not be all his fault (take a good hard look at this team over the past few years and try to imagine any player being truly successful), but when a running back who was a top-five pick records one rushing touchdown over the course of 12 games in his sophomore season, that pretty much defines disappointment. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean McFadden has no fantasy value -- he's got rare athletic gifts and has shown bursts of effectiveness as both a runner and receiver -- just be sure not to overpay for a guy who has only one career 100-yard rushing game.

RB Michael Bush, OAK (RB - #34) - Bye Week Fill-in

The Raiders relied on a committee approach to handle the team's rushing duties in 2009 and it's unlikely that will change in 2010. Darren McFadden (speed) and Michael Bush (power) give the Raiders two halves of a complete back -- it's just a matter of using them both effectively. Surprisingly, in four of five Oakland wins last season the tandem combined for fewer than 100 yards on the ground. Bush and McFadden split carries fairly evenly last year, with Bush getting the statistical edge. Both backs have injury concerns, both have big play ability, both have been inconsistent and neither has played like a bona fide NFL starter. Draft accordingly.

RB Rock Cartwright, OAK - Low Potential

The overachieving Justin Fargas is finally out of the way. Couldn't have happened any sooner -- he stuck out like a sore thumb on this team, what with his better-than-advertised production, low salary and uncontroversial demeanor. Rock Cartwright should make fewer waves than the departed Fargas and will certainly be less of a threat to steal carries from the much-touted Darren McFadden. On the downward side of a mediocre career, Cartwright will provide limited fantasy potential as an occasional third down back, injury fill-in and part-time returner. For what it's worth, he averages about 100 yards a season.

WR Louis Murphy, OAK (WR - #54) - Deep-league Only

Murphy performed adequately last season when he was thrust into a starting role despite his having been a draft afterthought. The fourth rounder flashed some skill and could retain his starting spot in 2010, though the team may have too much invested in Darrius Heyward-Bey to limit the speedster to part-time duties. Like everyone else in this receiver corps, Murphy's fantasy value -- no matter where he lines up -- will see a significant upgrade with the change at quarterback. If everything falls into place (meaning Murphy at split end and Heyward-Bey playing in the slot), Murphy could be a fantasy bargain. As it stands, look at him as a low risk late round pick with decent upside.