RADIO
Jalen Richard 2019 Outlook: PPR Sleeper In Raiders’ Backfield
6 years agoWhile the Oakland Raiders drafted running back Josh Jacobs to carry the bulk of the team’s rushing load, they still have a very solid receiver out of the backfield in the mix too with running back Jalen Richard. Last year, Richard caught 68 passes for 607 yards for the Raiders, and with him only carrying the ball 55 times, the addition of Jacobs shouldn’t cut much into the things that Richard excels at. The bigger issue is that the Raiders completely revamped their wide receiver position, and how that shakes out could be the big issue for Richard and his target total in 2019. But while there’s definitely reason to worry, fantasy owners in full-PPR leagues might as well take a swing at Richard in the late stages of their fantasy drafts this season, as his ceiling is him being one of the NFL’s most targeted backs; he was seventh among running backs in receptions and targets last year, and his per-play metrics are really intriguing. He was second among backs in yards per touch and 22nd in fantasy points per opportunity. While his floor is as an unplayable option, there’s too much upside not to consider Richard.
