The Las Vegas Raiders will face off against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, as both teams sit at 2-2 and will look to improve to a winning records through five weeks.
The Raiders' offense has been sporadic to start the 2024 campaign, as the unit has shown flashes of excellence but has been mostly incompetent. Additionally, Las Vegas is set to lose their strongest offensive player, as a Davante Adams trade appears imminent.
Two players who will need to step up for the Raiders' offense the rest of the season are quarterback Gardner Minshew and wide receiver Tre Tucker.
Minshew must play clean, mistake-free football and elevate his playmakers, while Tucker will step up as the WR2 opposite Jakobi Meyers with Adams' departure from Las Vegas looming.
Minshew had a subpar Week 5 performance, posting just 130 passing yards and failing to find the end zone. On the other hand, Tucker had a decent outing last week, scoring a rushing touchdown and hauling in five catches for 41 yards.
Minshew and Tucker are pivotal pieces to Luke Getsy's offense, but are they viable options to start in your fantasy football lineup this week?
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: Gardner Minshew
Outside of an impressive performance versus the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, Minshew has been an awful fantasy quarterback. The 28-year-old provides little big-play ability and struggles to throw for over 200 yards most weeks.
Minshew's matchup this week is also extremely tough, as the Broncos boast one of the best secondary units in football, surrendering just 146 passing yards per game, which ranks No. 3 in the NFL.
There is zero incentive to start Minshew this weekend, as the veteran has no upside for the rest of the season and could lose his starting job at any point.
Verdict: Sit' Em
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: Tre Tucker
Though the Broncos' secondary is formidable, Tre Tucker could be a decent flex option this week. The 23-year-old has quietly put together a solid last two weeks of play (he ranks as WR10 overall in that span) and has high potential for the rest of the season.
With Tucker being Las Vegas' deep threat and likely avoiding a matchup with Patrick Surtain, the 2023 third-round pick could be in for a big day on Sunday.
Despite Minshew being a definite sit, Tucker should be in your lineup in Week 5 as a flex due to his big-play ability and an increased target share over the last few contests.
Verdict: Start' Em
