The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Baltimore Ravens 33-27 on Monday Night Football to close out an extraordinary Week 1. Baltimore’s rookie Ty’Son Williams highlighted the day after their top three running backs all landed on injured reserve. The Raiders Darren Waller also shined on his 29th birthday.
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Snap Counts
Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders
- Ty’Son Williams: 9 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, 4 targets, 3 rec., 29 receiving yards
- Darren Waller: 18 catchable targets, 10 receptions, 105 yards, 1TD
Start Ty’Son Williams: The undrafted rookie played the majority of snaps as expected with the three starting running backs on the Injured Reserve, and the two other backs on the roster only recently joining the team. He played well enough in both the run and pass game that he will likely be the starter next week and for the foreseeable future. Neither of the backups did much of note, and it’s possible the Ravens could change who the backups are by next week. He didn't play as much as the game went on, but the Ravens will likely rotate him in and out more next game to keep him fresh in the fourth quarter.
Drop all of the Raiders wide receivers: Both Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards were hyped up throughout the offseason, but they weren’t heavily involved until the end of the game. The biggest problem has always been Darren Waller who dominated in target share. The Raiders rotated in skill players throughout the first half, including tight end Foster Moreau playing as much time as the wide receivers, and Hunter Renfrow playing some in 12 personnel. The Raiders rotated less in the second half while playing from behind. It was also concerning that neither sophomore receiver began the drive in the Raiders two-minute drill. There might be a week or two where one of these receivers makes a big play, but there is no sign that one of these receivers could consistently score fantasy points.
Buy low on Josh Jacobs: The Raiders running back fell down draft boards after they signed Kenyan Drake in free agency. The Raiders used him remarkably similar to last season despite the signing and despite him being questionable coming into the game with an illness. He played in 23 of the Raiders' first 30 snaps. His fantasy value historically has been largely dependent on if the Raiders are winning or losing. Las Vegas was losing in the second half, so Drake started seeing more playing time. Jacobs should have significant fantasy values in games where the Raiders are winning just like last season.
Sell high on Marquise Brown: It was clear based on snaps and targets that free agent addition Sammy Watkins was the top wide receiver target on the team. Brown was more efficient on his targets leading to a touchdown. There’s a chance Brown falls further down the depth chart once Rashod Bateman returns from injury. Brown is the third or potentially fourth option in a run-first team, which isn’t great for fantasy football results. His trade value should be relatively high after he scored a touchdown.
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