The Las Vegas Raiders' rushing attack had been a mess over the first three games of the 2024 season, with running back Zamir White being the most disappointing part. However, fellow running back Alexander Mattison had a strong showing in Week 4 that has put him on the radar of fantasy football waiver wires in Week 5.
Mattison tallied 60 rushing yards on just six attempts on Sunday, and those 60 yards were the most a Raiders back has totaled in a game this season. Compare that to White, who had 50 yards on 17 attempts.
That's obviously not a lot of carries, and it has been tough sledding for Mattison just as it has for White this season, but the former has clearly been the better running back, both as a rusher and receiver.
And that isn't lost on head coach Antonio Pierce, who said on Monday that Mattison has earned more touches, and he's going to get them.
"He's deserved more reps," Pierce told reporters, "and he'll get 'em."
Should you add Alexander Mattison off the waiver wire?
It's true that neither Mattison nor White has done much this season, but Mattison has at least found pay dirt three times, with one touchdown in each of Las Vegas' first three games.
White has had control of the backfield so far this season, and that has led to around 13 touches per game. Mattison has seen more passing-game work than White, so it's certainly possible he could work his way up to 15 touches per contest if he takes over lead back duties.
Granted, there are still concerns about Las Vegas' offensive line, but the unit had its best showing by far in run-blocking in Week 4, when the Raiders ran for a season-high 152 yards as a team. Adding to that, having a guy who gets 15 touches per game isn't a bad thing to have on your bench, especially with bye weeks here.
Keep expectations low and don't blow a big chunk of your FAAB budget on him, but Mattison is absolutely worth an add in Week 5, and particularly if you have White on your roster.
