At a glance, you see that the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders are playing one another, and the immediate reaction is that it’s a mismatch. That’s what it’s been for years now, as the Chargers have regularly been contenders-or-close, while the Raiders have been among the dregs of the AFC. This year, though, the Raiders actually sit a half-game ahead of the Chargers, with Oakland 2-3 and San Diego 2-4. This isn’t the old AFC West anymore.
Fantasy football advice, Week 7: Who to start/sit for Raiders vs. Chargers
Suddenly, this AFC West matchup doesn’t appear to be quite the mismatch it has been in some years.
The Raiders come into Sunday’s game largely healthy; running back Latavius Murray is the only fantasy-relevant name on the injury report, and he’ll be fine for Sunday’s game despite some shoulder issues. The Chargers are the exact opposite; half of San Diego’s fantasy-relevant names are on the report. Tight end Antonio Gates is dealing with a sprained MCL and will be a game-time decision. The others on the report -- running back Melvin Gordon and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Stevie Johnson -- all should be fine for Sunday.
This game, in San Diego, is the first of only two late-afternoon games for Week 7, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
RAIDERS
Start ‘em: You hoped for better production from Latavis Murray than the seven combined fantasy points in his last two games, but in this matchup he should get back to the good. ... Even as his team struggles, Amari Cooper looks like a safe week-to-week bet.
Start ‘em?: Behind Cooper, Michael Crabtree has potential, but he’s no sure thing. He’s a mid-range flex option.
Sit ‘em: After a decent two-game stretch in Weeks 2 and 3, Derek Carr has come back to earth, with 22 fantasy points a game in his last two. ... Mychal Rivera exists, but that’s about it as far as fantasy is concerned. ... Sebastian Janikowski is a low-upside kicker. ... The Raiders’ defense has been fine of late, but the San Diego offense should be strong.
CHARGERS
Start ‘em: It’s been a monster stretch for Philip Rivers, with 20-plus fantasy points in three straight games. ... Danny Woodhead is the only reliable running back on San Diego; he’s a low-end RB2. ... So long as Keenan Allen plays Sunday -- and he should -- he’s an easy must-start. ... Josh Lambo should have plenty of kicking chances.
Start ‘em?: The situation with Antonio Gates makes everything confusing. If he plays, he’s a must-start, but with a late-afternoon start, who knows? And if he sits, Ladarius Green is a must-start, with potential even if Gates is active.
Sit ‘em: The struggles and injury to Melvin Gordon and the team going to Branden Oliver in Week 6 make both impossible to trust. ... The Gates injury makes Stevie Johnson more interesting, but you probably won’t know enough in time to use him. ... Malcom Floyd and Dontrelle Inman recede back to the shadows as the team gets its other weapons back. ... The Chargers’ defense hasn’t gone above five fantasy points in a game all year.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper, Philip Rivers, Danny Woodhead, Keenan Allen, Josh Lambo
Start if you’re desperate: Michael Crabtree, Antonio Gates, Ladarius Green
Bench: Derek Carr, Mychal Rivera, Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland defense, Melvin Gordon, Branden Oliver, Stevie Johnson, Malcom Floyd, Dontrelle Inman, San Diego defense
