NFL Best Buys: Houston @ Oakland
The Monday Night Football Draftstars competition heats up in Mexico City as the Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans head to the field. With both teams leading their respective divisions in the AFC conference by just a slim margin, both rosters will be eager to make a difference as it could prove dividends as the pointy end of the season.
Here is a selected team for the NFL Monday Night Football $6K competition for you to consider:
Quarterback
Brock Osweiler ($15,600)
Perhaps a strange selection here, this game presents itself an opportunity for Osweiler to redeem his poor form for much of the season. Derrick Carr, who did seem like a better option at quarterback will struggle against a solid Houston secondary who has allowed over 20 points to quarterbacks just three times this season. With Oakland allowing close to 400 total yards per game on defence, Osweiler could have a field day.
Running Back
Lamar Miller ($15,400)
Quarterback Brock Osweiler hasn’t lived up to his $63million deal for much of this season, with the Texans’ offense relying heavily on Miller to move the chains. The Raiders allow 4.7 yards per rush this season, the second most of any team in the league. While only finding the end zone once over the past three weeks, Miller is every chance to break his duck against Oakland’s defence who allows 114 rushing yards per game.
Lartavius Murray ($14,800)
Much like Miller, Oakland’s offense leans on their offensive line giving Murray plenty of opportunity to run the ball. Prior to Oakland’s bye, Murray rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns on the reigning Super Bowl champions, Denver, on 20 carries. He is averaging 21.36 across the last three games, including a mammoth 31.70 against the Broncos. Given both teams revolve around their run game, spending large in the running back position is worthwhile.
Wide Receiver
Michael Crabtree ($14,550)
This season has been a renaissance for Crabtree who has become a reliable option for Derrick Carr who called Crabtree another number one receiver. He has hauled in a team high six receiving touchdowns this year and has produced double fantasy points in all but two of his outings this year. With Amari Cooper likely to draw the number one defensive back, Crabtree could blossom after just to receptions and 27 yards against the Broncos.
Will Fuller ($12,750)
Having hauled in 372 yards and 2 touchdowns in his rookie season, both which rank second on the team, Fuller has been a quiet contributor for Houston. He’ll likely be a large beneficiary of Oakland’s poor defence and like Crabtree, won’t attract the opposition’s best defensive back.
Tight End
C.J Fiedorwicz ($8,050)
While Houston’s passing game has floundered in 2016, Fideorwicz has been a beacon of light as one of few who have built a rapport with Osweiler. He’s averaging 6.5 targets per game since October 3 and with the Raiders defense allowing four touchdowns to tight ends over their previous five games, Fiedeorwicz is likely to add his fourth touchdown on the season.
Flex
Akeem Hunt ($6,000)
Hunt was a surprise packet for Houston in the backfield last week after being signed off the practice squad prior to their win over Jacksonville. Complimenting Miller’s between-the-tackle running, Hunt has been able to add another dimension in the backfield having drawn praise by Texans’ coaches with his flare. He ran for 52 yards on eight carries last week plus another 33 yard effort on one play which was called back by a penalty. After a successful contribution last week, Hunt should see more carries against the Raiders.
Clive Walford ($5,600)
Oakland’s number one tight end is an athletic flex option in this week’s line-up and has huge upside should Oakland get churning on offense. In the Raiders’ last game against the Broncos, Walford saw more snaps on the field than any other Oakland receiver with 84%. It was a season high for Walford and if the indication is true, he will become pivotal in their offensive plan, especially on play-action passes.
Defense
Houston Texans ($5,950)
For price reasons, Houston’s defensive unit has been chosen having wreaked havoc against the Jaguars with two sacks, a fumble and an interception. With AJ Bouye set to return to their secondary this week, Derrick Carr will struggle to find his receivers open down the field. The real question remains if the Texans can stop the Oakland run game, and if they can, the defence will put up serious fantasy points.
The Lineup
QB: Brock Osweiler ($15,600)
RB: Lamar Miller ($15,400)
RB: Lartavius Murray ($14,800)
WR: Michael Crabtree ($14,550)
WR: Will Fuller ($12,750)
TE: C.J Fiedorwicz ($8,050)
FX: Akeem Hunt ($6,000)
FX: Clive Walford ($5,600)
DEF: Houston Texans ($5,950)
Cash Remaining: $1,300
NFL SCORING SYSTEM:
OFFENSE
Pass TD = 4 pts
1 Pass Yard = 0.04 pts
Interception = -1 pts
1 Rush Yard = 0.1 pts
Rush TD = 6 pts
1 Receiving Yard = 0.1pts
Reception TD = 6 pts
Reception = 1pt
Return TD = 6 pts
2 pt Conversion = 2pts
Lost Fumble = -2pts
DEFENSE
Sack = 1 pt
Interception = 2 pts
Fumble Recovery = 2 pts
Touchdown = 6 pts
Safety = 2 pts
Blocked Kick = 2 pts
Kickoff/PR Touchdown = 6 pts
Points allowed – 0 = 10 pts
Points allowed – 1-6 = 7 pts
Points allowed – 7-13 = 4 pts
Points allowed – 14-20 = 1 pt
Points allowed – 21-27 = 0 pts
Points allowed – 28-34 = -1 pt
Points allowed – 35+ = -4 pts
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