:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65202931/1162019944.jpg.0.jpg)
When the Oakland Raiders signed Tyrell Williams in March they already had traded for Antonio Brown. They had their no. 1 receiver in place and just added depth to the unit with the addition of Williams. Turns out, that depth turned into all the Raiders can hold on to entering Monday’s game against Denver. Brown was released and now Williams is the de facto leading receiver of a team depleted of options at the wide receiver position.
It’s been a while since Tyrell Williams had a leading role, but he played to that level in 2016 for the Chargers as a sophomore racking up 1,059 yards for seven touchdowns. Once the 2017 and 2018 years rolled around, though, he was used on a much lesser role under Keenan Allen and it showed: he didn’t reach 750 yards either year, although his efficiency numbers weren’t bad with an average of 10.3 yards per target. He can play and in the slot position, and there is probably no player available at a higher rate in fantasy football with a better situation than Williams’ is without Brown sitting on the Raiders table anymore.
Fantasy Impact: First things first: Tyrell Williams should not be your WR1, nor probably the WR2 in fantasy leagues. That being said, his new role opens a massive door for him in terms of upside. Derek Carr has lost his main target twice this preseason: Jared Cook left for New Orleans, then Antonio Brown was cut. That leaves Tyrell Williams as the clear-cut no. 1 option in Oakland’s passing game. This week, the Raiders face an above-average defense against WR in that of Denver. In two games last year, they gained 219 yards in Week 2 but only 89 in Week 16. Williams will be covered by Chris Harris Jr, but even with such a hard matchup, Williams will be thrown as many balls as he can handle. More chances equal more fantasy points. Bet on Williams this week.
Recommendation: Start at WR3/FLEX
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is chapulana) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.