The Las Vegas Raiders will be relying heavily on running back Alexander Mattison and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to carry the offensive load as the team returns home to Allegiant Stadium on Sunday to square off against the Pittsburgh Steelers after an embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 5.
Mattison will likely receive his second consecutive start on Sunday as Zamir White continues to deal with a groin injury. Meyers is expected to serve as the WR1 for the rest of the 2024 campaign, as Davante Adams' days as a Raider are numbered.
Meyers and Mattison will play prominent roles in the Raiders' offense this weekend, but are they viable options to start in your fantasy football lineup in Week 6?
Alexander Mattison - Sit him
Mattison had a lackluster performance in his first start as a Raider, rushing for 38 yards and ranking as the RB29 overall, per Fantasy Pros. The former Viking has had some nice outings this season, but it's clear he isn't capable of overcoming lackluster blocking upfront.
Heading into this week. Mattison is facing an extremely unfavorable matchup, as the Steelers' defense is allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points against running backs, per CBS Sports, and Ameer Abdullah outproduced Mattison in fewer touches and is in line to receive more opportunities.
With all these factors in play, Alexander Mattison should be on your bench this week and for the foreseeable future.
Jakobi Meyers, WR - Sit him
UPDATE: The Raiders have downgraded Meyers from questionable to doubtful for Week 6, which basically means he's not going to play. With Meyers and Adams both out, Tre Tucker becomes a viable flex option with upside.
@Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers is now DOUBTFUL for tomorrow’s game vs. Pittsburgh
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) October 12, 2024
End of update
After a slow start to the season, Meyers has quickly had a resurgence over the last few contests, as Fantasy Pros ranks him as the WR20 in PPR since Week 3. The former Patriot hauled in six receptions for 72 yards last week and has garnered at least nine targets in each of the last three games.
According to CBS Sports, Pittsburgh's defense allows 18.6 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, which ranks 12th lowest in the NFL.
Though this stat is concerning for Meyers, the 27-year-old is on a hot streak and will continue his solid play on Sunday with Aidan O'Connell at the helm. Meyers is a for-sure start as a flex, but could also serve as a low-end WR2 if your team is riddled with injuries.
