The Raiders recorded two sacks in the 17-13 win over the Broncos in Week 16.

Analysis: The Raiders drew a favorable matchup against QB Drew Lock and managed to produce decent results. Their defense has been quite inconsistent this season, and we shouldn't give them much credit for shutting down Lock and QB Nick Mullens over the last two weeks. We shouldn't have high expectations against the Colts, who rank fifth in the league with 28 points per game and seventh with just 17 turnovers through 15 contests. Furthermore, the Raiders may be missing multiple linebackers due to COVID-19…read more

The Raiders recorded no sacks and no takeaways in the 16-14 win over the Browns.

Analysis: This was a fine, albeit slightly disappointing, performance against the Browns' third-string QB and a depleted offense. This defense has been wildly inconsistent this season, allowing 26.8 points per game (third-most in the league) and adding just 13 turnovers (27th). Luckily, QB Drew Lock -- who has 17 touchdowns and 17 interceptions since the beginning of 2020 -- will be under center for the Broncos. The Raiders have a clear path to fantasy relevance as a result, and the floor should be…read more

The Raiders recorded three sacks in their 48-9 loss to the Chiefs in Week 14.

Analysis: The Raiders rank 31st in the league with 27.9 points allowed per game and 25th with 13 takeaways. There aren't many bright spots with this defense, but their Week 15 matchup has some intrigue. QB Baker Mayfield, WR Jarvis Landry and TE Austin Hooper are all in COVID-19 protocol and will likely sit out Saturday. However, RB Nick Chubb is still healthy and can manage 30 touches if needed, and the Raiders haven't shown an ability to stop the run consistently. Raiders D/ST could have a higher floor…read more

The Raiders recorded a sack and an interception in the 17-15 loss to Washington.

Analysis: The Raiders rank 20th in the league with 26 sacks through 12 games, and their 13 takeaways sit at 23rd. This matchup against the Chiefs is a significant problem for Raiders D/ST. The Chiefs have turned the ball over 23 times, but many of their interceptions have been fluky, and QB Patrick Mahomes still rarely gets sacked (4.2 percent). Furthermore, they're fully healthy with RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire back in the lineup, so this high-powered offense should keep Raiders D/ST off fantasy radars in…read more

The Raiders recorded a sack and no takeaways in the 33-30 overtime win over the Cowboys in Week 12.

Analysis: The Raiders allowed 373 passing yards despite WRs Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb being absent. They've now given up 26.8 points per game (30th) while forcing 12 turnovers (21st) and making 25 sacks (15th). They draw a decent matchup in Week 13, as Washington ranks 20th with 20.9 points per game and 22nd with 16 giveaways. QB Taylor Heinicke has been sacked 23 times in 11 games, too. We shouldn't expect Raiders D/ST to win weeks for fantasy players, but it should have a steady floor at home.

The Raiders recorded three sacks and a fumble recovery in the 32-12 loss to the Bengals in Week 11.

Analysis: The Raiders have allowed at least 20 points in nine straight games this season, and they rank 15th in the league with 12 takeaways. There is some optimism because they rank 12th in the league with 24 sacks. However, fantasy managers should look elsewhere, even though they'll be playing on a short week. The Cowboys rank third in the league with 32.6 points per game. QB Dak Prescott has been sacked just 16 times through nine games, lowering the ceiling for Raiders D/ST this week, too.

The Raiders recorded a takeaway and no sacks in the 41-14 loss to the Chiefs in Week 10.

Analysis: The Chiefs' offense returned to its norm, and the Raiders looked out of sorts. The Raiders have now given up 25.6 points per game (seventh-most in the league) while forcing 11 turnovers (15th). The Bengals are coming off a bye week and should be a tough matchup because they've averaged 25.1 points per game (ninth), but there is some upside for Raiders D/ST. QB Joe Burrow has been sacked 25 times through nine games, and the Bengals have coughed up eight turnovers over the last five games.…read more

The Raiders recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery in the 23-16 loss to the Giants in Week 9.

Analysis: QB Daniel Jones escaped the game with a reasonable stat line, but the Raiders still are tied for 11th in the league with 21 sacks and 15th with 10 takeaways. They draw a confusing matchup against the Chiefs in Week 10. QB Patrick Mahomes hasn't been himself lately. The Raiders probably have the capability to take advantage, as they've given up 207.1 passing yards per game (fifth in the league) due to their dependable secondary and consistent pass rush. Many of Mahomes' turnovers have been…read more

The Raiders recorded two sacks in the 34-31 win over the Eagles in Week 7.

Analysis: The Raiders have forced six turnovers over the past two games and now rank 13th in the league with nine total takeaways. They also sit at 12th with 18 sacks. The Week 9 matchup against the Giants is quite appealing for fantasy purposes. QB Daniel Jones has been widely inconsistent this season, and he has been sacked on 5.9 percent of dropbacks (17th-most) while tossing five picks through eight games. The Giants have just 19.5 points per game, too, providing a stout Raiders defense with a…read more

The Raiders recorded four turnovers and five sacks in the 34-24 win over the Broncos in Week 6.

Analysis: Most of the turnovers and sacks game in garbage time when QB Teddy Bridgewater was making risky plays, but the Raiders have proven they can keep this up to some extent. After all, they're tied for sixth with 16 sacks through six games. They should have a decent floor in Week 7 against the Eagles, who rank 20th in the league with 22.8 points per game. They're a viable fantasy option this week as a result, though the ceiling is a bit low considering the Eagles have coughed up the ball just five…read more

The Raiders gave up 252 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 20-9 loss to the Bears in Week 5.

Analysis: The Raiders have failed to force a turnover for three straight weeks, and they have just three total this season while ranking 13th in the league with 11 sacks. Furthermore, they just fired head coach Jon Gruden, so there's some uncertainty moving forward. Meanwhile, the Broncos rank 24th in the league with 20.4 points per game, though they've turned it over just four times thus far. The Raiders have the manpower to slow down the Broncos' passing game, which lacks speed, and there's a decent…read more

The Raiders allowed 380 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 28-14 loss to the Chargers in Week 4.

Analysis: The Raiders were picked apart by QB Justin Herbert for three passing touchdowns in the first half, but they tightened up in the second half and gave up just one rushing score to RB Austin Ekeler. They've given up at least 27 points in three of their first four games while forcing just three turnovers. However, they rank tied for fifth with 12 sacks. The Week 5 matchup against rookie QB Justin Fields and a RB David Montgomery-less backfield is appealing. QB Justin Fields has been sacked 12 times…read more

The Raiders failed to force a turnover in their 31-28 win over the Dolphins in Week 3.

Analysis: The Raiders let the Dolphins back into the game late, but they still managed to sack QB Jacoby Brissett four times, bringing their total on the year to seven sacks. They've been a solid option so far. However, the matchup against the Chargers in Week 4 isn't ideal. The Chargers just put up 30 points on the Chiefs, and they're finally gelling in OC Joe Lombardi's system. The Raiders' have a strong secondary, but players like RB Austin Ekeler and WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams should hold…read more

The Raiders gave up 331 total yards and forced a turnover in a 26-17 win over the Steelers.

Analysis: The Raiders have now posted three turnovers and five sacks through two games. They get an intriguing matchup in Week 3 against the Dolphins, who will be without QB Tua Tagovailoa (ribs). QB Jacoby Brissett will get the start. We haven't seen him play in a couple of years, but he's a serviceable signal-caller that has an assortment of weapons, including WRs Will Fuller, DeVante Parker and Jaylen Waddle. There's some downside here, but the Raiders have major upside with sacks and turnovers.…read more

The Raiders gave up 27 points and 406 total yards in their Week 1 win over the Ravens.

Analysis: The Raiders also notched two fumble recoveries and three sacks. However, they suffered some key injuries, as DT Gerald McCoy (knee) has been placed on IR and DE Yannick Ngakoue (hamstring) is uncertain for the Week 2 matchup against the Steelers. Luckily, the Steelers' offensive line is pitiful. Still, WRs Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and JuJu Smitch-Schuster outmatch the Raiders' secondary, and there isn't much upside for Raiders D/ST because QB Ben Roethlisberger rarely gets sacked.

The Raiders traded for LB Denzel Perryman and signed LB K.J. Wright over the last two weeks.

Analysis: The Raiders will open up against the Ravens, who have endured season-ending injuries to their top three running backs over the last few weeks. In turn, they'll bring in reinforcements on short notice, but RB Ty'Son Williams will likely lead the backfield to start off. Regardless of who's back there, defenses have to respect QB Lamar Jackson's ability to take off and run. Perryman and Wright probably don't immediately help with that task, though Wright could attempt to cover TE Mark Andrews…read more

S Johnathan Abram (hip) is healthy ahead of the 2021 season.

Analysis: Abram, a 2019 first-round pick, played just 14 games through his first two NFL seasons. If he can stay healthy, he can make a serious impact on the Raiders' defense, lining up in coverage and also as a pass rusher. If new DC Gus Bradley can implement his scheme quickly, this unit has some intriguing upside, as DEs Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue are skilled pass rushers while CBs Trayvon Mullen and Casey Hayward can hold their own. However, the schedule is rough to start the year, so think of…read more

The Raiders hired Gus Bradley to be their new defensive coordinator in 2021.

Analysis: Bradley worked for the Chargers in the same role over the past four years, and he comes to Las Vegas with CB Casey Hayward, who spent the last five seasons with the Bolts. He'll inherit some intriguing talent in Vegas, including CB Trayvon Mullen and DE Yannick Ngakoue. S Johnathan Abram is back to full health and practically counts as an addition to this defense. Still, besides for Hayward, this unit didn't make any big splashes that would signal they're going to rebound significantly from…read more

The Raiders allowed 29.9 points per game (30th) and forced just 15 turnovers (30th) in 2020.

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The Raiders allowed 383 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 26-25 loss to the Dolphins in Week 16.

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The Raiders allowed 402 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 30-27 loss to the Chargers in Week 15.

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The Raiders allowed 456 total yards and didn't force a turnover in a 44-27 loss to the Colts in Week 14.

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The Raiders let up 376 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 31-28 win over the Jets in Week 13.

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The Raiders gave up 304 total yards and forced a turnover in the 43-6 loss to the Falcons in Week 12.

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The Raiders allowed 460 total yards and forced a turnover in the 5-31 loss to the Chiefs in Week 11.

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The Raiders allowed 313 total yards and forced five turnovers in the 37-12 win over the Broncos in Week 10.

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The Raiders allowed 440 total yards and forced a turnover in the 31-26 win over the Chargers in Week 9.

Analysis: The Raiders let rookie QB Justin Herbert throw for 326 yards and two touchdowns, but they made a stop when it mattered: as time expired. It's been tough to depend on their defense this season, as it has allowed at least 24 points in all but one game. The Broncos' offense is far from threatening, but it has been able pad its stats during garbage time. That's a bit risky, but there's a high upside to make it a worthy fantasy unit, as QB Drew Lock has tossed six picks over the last four games.

The Raiders allowed 223 total yards and forced a turnover in the 16-6 win over the Browns in Week 8.

Analysis: A gusty afternoon, both the Browns and Raiders stuck to run-heavy gameplans. The Raiders held up well and contained RB Kareem Hunt to 73 yards and 16 touches, but the bigger worry this week is rookie QB Justin Herbert, who has taken the league by storm. The Chargers' passing attack now ranks sixth in the league. Herbert still takes too many sacks and has tossed a few interceptions, but he can open up a game quickly. The Raiders, on the other hand, rank 25th in pass defense, averaging 260.7…read more

The Raiders allowed 454 total yards in the 45-20 loss to the Buccaneers in Week 7.

Analysis: QB Tom Brady throttled the Raiders, tossing four touchdown passes and running one in on his own. The Raiders couldn't force a turnover, and they never took Brady down. It was brutal. They'll look to get back on track against the Browns, who have scored 32 or more points in five of the last six contests while averaging one turnover per game in that stretch. The team will be without WR Odell Beckham (knee) now to join RB Nick Chubb (knee) on IR. That bodes well for the Raiders, but there's still…read more

The Raiders allowed 413 total yards and forced a turnover in a 40-32 win over the Chiefs in Week 6.

Analysis: The Raiders allowed 32 points to the Chiefs, and that's considered a win for most teams. However, this defense is porous, allowing at least 30 points in four of five games while forcing just three turnovers and ranking 28th in the league with seven sacks. Meanwhile, QB Tom Brady and the Buccaneers are coming to town in Week 7, and they've coughed up just two turnovers over the past four games while averaging 30.8 points per game. It could be another high-scoring affair, so it may be best to…read more

The Raiders allowed 336 total yards and didn't force a turnover in a 30-23 loss to the Bills in Week 4.

Analysis: You can count on one hand the number of defenses that are viable against the Chiefs, and the Raiders aren't even in consideration. They've allowed at least 24 points in each game this season, forcing two turnovers and recording just four sacks thus far. The upside is capped, and the Chiefs remain unstoppable. Cut Raiders D/ST if it's still on your roster with a Week 6 bye around the corner.

The Raiders allowed 406 total yards and forced a turnover in Week 3's 36-20 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: The Raiders' defense piled up sacks last year, but it has recorded just three sacks this year. It has also allowed over 24 points and 388 total yards in each game as well. Buffalo coming to town could be a headache for this unit, as QB Josh Allen has turned their fates around and scored at least 27 points in each game. Allen has been sacked eight times but he's tossed just one interception, so the ceiling is a bit suppressed for the Raiders D/ST. Especially with LB Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral)…read more

The Raiders allowed 424 total yards and forced a turnover in Week 2's 34-24 win over the Saints.

Analysis: The Raiders let RB Alvin Kamara run loose in Week 2, as he racked up 174 total yards and two TDs. They'll get a bit of relief without having to face a stud RB like Kamara, but QB Cam Newton is just as threatening. Newton has scampered for 122 yards and four TDs through just two weeks, and he's one of the most efficient goal-line rushers in the league. Considering the Raiders have allowed TDs on 71.7 percent of opponents' red-zone trips -- the 11th most in the league -- Raiders D/ST isn't a…read more

The Raiders let up 388 total yards and didn't force a turnover in Week 1's 34-30 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: The Raiders allowed 7.9 YPA to QB Teddy Bridgewater in the opener and yielded 134 total yards and two TDs to RB Christian McCaffrey. They'll host the Saints in Week 2, which means the QB play will be tougher and the RB play is just a slight downgrade against Alvin Kamara. They get some relief with WR Michael Thomas out of the lineup, but the Saints still have WR Emmanuel Sanders and TE Jared Cook, while Kamara will catch plenty of passes as well. Considering Brees was sacked on just 3.1 percent…read more

The Raiders will travel for Week 1's game versus the Panthers.

Analysis: The Raiders are mostly healthy heading into the season opener, as only CB Damon Arnette is on the injury report with a broken finger that he plans on playing through. Arnette -- a rookie first-rounder -- is a big question mark in the team's secondary, as he was considered a reach at 19th overall with a 4.56-second 40-yard dash to his name. However, they get the privilege of facing the Panthers, who brought in QB Teddy Bridgewater this offseason and learned a new offensive scheme under coach…read more

The Raiders ranked 24th in 2019 with 26.2 points allowed per game.

Analysis: The Raiders' defense struggled last year and didn't produce much in fantasy circles, recording 15 turnovers (31st) and 32 sacks (25th). They're expecting major progression from second-year defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, but their secondary could take a step back despite the additions of Prince Amukamara and Damarious Randall. Raiders D/ST will likely lack upside as a result, but it has the talent to be a worthy streamer in 2020.

The Raiders allowed 17 points and 284 total yards to the Chargers in Week 16's win.

Analysis: The Chargers had a solid real-life effort, but their fantasy upside wasn't memorable with no turnovers and just one sack. The Broncos are a hit-or-miss opponent with Drew Lock's abilities, but they've posted 23 or more points in three of the last four contests. They're safe with the ball, though, as they've coughed up just 15 turnovers over 15 games. The upside is surely limited here, so tread lightly with Raiders D/ST and stay away in season-long formats.

The Raiders allowed 20 points and 262 total yards to the Jaguars in Week 15's loss.

Analysis: The Raiders weren't able to force a turnover, but they did sack Gardner Minshew twice. Despite a heavy draft investment, the Raiders haven't capitalized in the sack column this year, ranking 25th with 29 sacks this year while also coming in 29th with just 14 turnovers. The Chargers allow opponents plenty of upside since they've committed 29 turnovers this year -- the fourth-most -- but the Raiders aren't equipped to reach that ceiling. The Raiders' floor isn't appealing, either, as they've…read more

The Raiders allowed 42 points and 552 total yards to the Titans in Week 14's loss.

Analysis: It has been a disaster for the Raiders, as they've allowed at least 34 points in three straight games while posting just two turnovers and two sacks during that span. Keep in mind that the Jets kicked off that stretch, but the Jaguars should provide some opportunity, as Gardner Minshew is sacked on 6.3 percent of dropbacks. Minshew can generally get the ball moving through the air with 235.8 passing YPG, but he will likely be without both D.J. Chark (ankle) and possible Dede Westbrook…read more

The Raiders allowed 40 points and 259 total yards to the Chiefs in Week 13's loss.

Analysis: The Raiders' defense wasn't responsible for all the points, as the Chiefs' defense scored in the contest. But still, it was an embarrassing outing. They'll now face one of the hottest offenses in the league led by Ryan Tannehill, who has completed 71.9 percent of his passes for 9.1 yards per attempt over the past six games. The Raiders may be able to key in on Derrick Henry since they've allowed 4.0 YPC this season, but their secondary doesn't look like it can hold up, yielding 258.2 passing…read more

The Raiders allowed 34 points and 401 total yards in Week 12's loss to the Jets.

Analysis: It's easy to write off this blowout road loss to the Jets as a fluke, but that doesn't make Week 13's clash against the Chiefs any more desirable. The Raiders didn't have to face Tyreek Hill in their first meeting, but the Chiefs are optimistic Hill will be recovered from a hamstring injury in time for this matchup. Hill can blow the top off of defenses, although the Chiefs haven't had any issues in that arena with 301.7 passing YPG (second) and 28.0 PPG (fourth). The Raiders are ill-equipped…read more

The Raiders allowed 10 points and forced two turnovers in Week 11's win over the Bengals.

Analysis: The Raiders weren't bothered by the absence of Karl Joseph (foot) and Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring), as they recording their third straight multi-turnover game and fifth of the season. However, they showed vulnerability by allowing 173 rushing yards, marking the third time in four games they allowed over 100 yards on the ground. While the Jets have star Le'Veon Bell in the backfield, they rank 31st in the league with just 72.1 rushing yards per game. They've shown poise in the passing game…read more

FS Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring) is unlikely to play in Week 11's matchup against the Bengals.

Analysis: The Raiders normally roll out three safeties, but they'll be missing two in this contest as Karl Joseph (foot) was placed on injured reserve. Erik Harris has been explosive as a starter this year with to pick-sixes and a run-stuffing prowess, and he'll head the safety corps with D.J. Swearinger and Curtis Riley. The Raiders' secondary was already a middling pack with 240.2 passing YPG, but for now, it should be fine as they prepare to take on the Bengals, who sport just 15.2 PPG and 315.1 YPG.…read more