AFC West - Oakland Raiders

Rich Gannon, QB – Don’t let his age fool you. Gannon reported to camp in top shape and with a chip on his shoulder. He’ll play from a wheel chair if he has to. With some new young lions on the O line, watch for him to put up strong numbers this year. A good Fantasy Football #2 QB choice.

Kerry Collins, QB – Was either decent or very bad last year. What do you expect from a former Knitting Lion? Could actually be a decent Fantasy Football #3 QB choice since he is playing behind a 40-year-old starter.

Marques Tuiasosopo, QB – The leader of the Raiders’ “difficult to spell my name” team (along with Zereoue, Janikowski, and Gbaja-Biamila). That’s about the only reason to care if he is on this team.

Tyrone Wheatley, RB – Another stellar University of MeatChicken grad. He could run for 2,000 yards and score 30 TDs this year…but only if the opposing teams forget to show up for all 16 games. Expect his value to fall faster than Joan Rivers’ face.

Justin Fargas, RB – Would you be worried about playing time if you were playing behind Wheatley? Neither would I. Watch for him to move up to #1 by the fourth or fifth game.

Amos Zereoue, RB – Will primarily be used for third down passing situations. I doubt if he will get past Fargas in the lineup.

Troy Hambrick, RB – Yawn…

Jerry Rice, WR – Jerry could be 60 (maybe he really is) and still outclass most receivers. While other Fantasy Football publications are writing him off, I think Mr. Rice is going to put up impressive numbers this season. Base this on the extra protection Gannon will get, the fact that there is finally a decent backup QB if needed, and the presence of a healthier Jerry Porter. Also, if this truly is the Rice Man’s last year it will only provide him with extra motivation.

Jerry Porter, WR – A healthy Jerry Porter should earn some decent Fantasy Football points, as long as he can stay a healthy Jerry Porter.

Doug Gabriel, WR – Should be the Silver and Black’s #3 receiver. Keep and eye on him as he could easily find himself as the #2 receiver.

Alvis Whitted, WR – I don’t expect anything from him this year. I just listed him because I like his name.

Doug Jolley, TE – You know how Doc feels about TEs, notably those in the lower half of the rankings. His 1 TD last year was especially impressive.

Teyo Johnson, TE – I would say that he has a chance to move up but its more likely that Jolly will move down. If he ends up starting, he could make a decent #2 Fantasy Football TE (if there is such a thing).

Sebastian Janikowski, K – When (Sebastian) The Crab isn’t kicking field goals, he’s usually kicking someone’s butt in a bar fight. I expect a revamped Raiders offense to give him more opportunities to score this year, assuming he’s at the game and not in the pokey.

Raiders Defense – OK we all know that the Raiders D got a lot more Sappy during the off season. Oakland added the King of Rude along with Ted Washington (from NE) to strengthen their run defense. Too bad Warren can’t tackle with his mouth. If he ends up playing half as good as says he can, the Raiders should improve significantly on defense.