Player Outlook
Jalen Richard should have the chance to remain the pass-catching running back for the Raiders this season, but the addition of rookie Josh Jacobs and return of Doug Martin could impact Richard in a negative way. Jacobs has the ability to play on passing downs, and Richard could lose touches, as well as Martin also playing a role. Richard proved to be a reliable Fantasy option in 2018 in a shared role with Marshawn Lynch and Martin. Despite scoring just one touchdown all season, Richard still managed nine games with double digits in PPR points. His 68 receptions were seventh among running backs in the NFL last year, and he had seven games with at least five receptions. Now, along with Jacobs, the Raiders upgraded their receiving corps with the addition of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, which could also take away some receptions. We're still hopeful for Richard being a factor on passing downs, but his Fantasy production should be reduced this season. He's only worth a late-round flier in all leagues this season.
Player News
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Oakland drafted Josh Jacobs at No. 24 overall to join Richard and Isaiah Crowell in the backfield, Matt Kawahara of The San Francisco Chronicle reports. The use of a second-round tender earlier this offseason confirms the Raiders value Richard, who broke out as a pass catcher in 2018 with 68 receptions for 607 yards on 81 targets (7.5 YPT). His efficient work should lock him in for passing downs early in 2019, but Jacobs could push for some of those snaps throughout the season, as he posted a 20-247-3 receiving line his final year at Alabama. The rookie heads to Oakland boasting a strong reputation for both pass blocking and pass catching, with an unusually balanced skill set for a 220-pound, 21-year-old running back.
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Richard signed his second-round tender Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports. Richard has been adept as a change-of-pace and pass-catching running back in three seasons with the Raiders. He was especially impressive in 2018, hauling in 68 of his 81 targets for 607 yards (84 percent catch rate, 7.5 yards per catch). Considering other teams would have had to cough up a second-round pick if they extended an offer sheet to Richard, it's no surprise he'll remain in Oakland. With uncertainty regarding Marshawn Lynch returning to the team in 2019, the Raiders signed Isaiah Crowell to a one-year contract last month. As it stands, Crowell and Richard will handle the bulk of the backfield touches in the fall.
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Richard is expected to return to the Raiders on a one-year deal worth $3.095 million after the team placed a second-round tender on the running back Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports. Fellow running backs Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin are slated to hit free agency, which could well lead to some changes in Oakland's 2019 backfield composition. Richard's ability as a pass-catcher is something the Raiders clearly value and prefer to keep in the mix. The 25-year-old was effective in that area in 2018, as Richard more than doubled his previous career high and recorded 68 total receptions. He also improved upon his ball security with three fumbles (two lost) over a career-high 412 offensive snaps. In 2017, three of Richard's eight fumbles were lost. All this played a role in the Raiders wanting him back for at least one more year, as any other suitors would have to surrender a second-round pick in order to sign the fourth-year back.
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Richard rushed for one yard on three carries and caught two passes on as many targets for 17 yards during Sunday's 35-3 loss to the Chiefs. Richard saw a significant uptick in usage during his third season with the Raiders, totaling a career-high 123 touches for 866 yards and one score in 16 games. Despite a season-ending groin injury to starting running back Marshawn Lynch, Richard's value in standard leagues was capped by the resurgence of newcomer Doug Martin. Nonetheless, Richard was an intriguing option for PPR owners in deeper leagues given his 68 receptions on 81 targets for 607 yards. He'll be a restricted free agent in 2019, but the Raiders now have a clearer understanding of his talent as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
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Richard (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. As anticipated, Richard's status for the season finale in Kansas City was never in much peril after he was limited by an ankle issue at Wednesday's practice. With a full session now under his belt, Richard should reprise his duties as the top change-of-pace option behind starting running back Doug Martin. The No. 2 role hasn't prevented Richard from offering utility in deeper leagues the past four weeks, as he's cleared 50 yards from scrimmage on three occasions and hauled in 13 receptions in total.
Recent Tweets
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11:04 pm ET / @SilverBlakPrideSilver & Black Pride
It seems like almost half of #RaiderNation would be ok with a #JalenRamsey trade involving those two third round pi… https://t.co/amusR8ou6D
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6:24 am ET / @PGutierrezESPNPaul Gutierrez
Jalen Richard works on pass pro drill with Josh Jacobs at #Raiders minicamp. https://t.co/LLwisAWVKy
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3:44 pm ET / @SilverBlakPride
Silver & Black Pride
If #JalenRamsey were to become available what’s an asking price you’d be comfortable with #RaiderNation? I mean the… https://t.co/auVD0JGheL
Completed Games
| WK | OPP | RUATT | RUYD | RUTD | RECPT | REYD | RETD | FPTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAR | 5 | 24 | 0 | 9 | 55 | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | @DEN | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | @MIA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 59 | 0 | 5 |
| 4 | CLE | 1 | -2 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 0 | 3 |
| 5 | @LAC | 1 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 53 | 0 | 5 |
| 6 | SEA | 2 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 48 | 0 | 4 |
| 7 | BYE | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 8 | IND | 2 | 14 | 0 | 8 | 50 | 0 | 6 |
| 9 | @SF | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 45 | 0 | 4 |
| 10 | LAC | 3 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 52 | 0 | 5 |
| 11 | @ARI | 11 | 61 | 0 | 3 | 32 | 0 | 9 |
| 12 | @BAL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 1 |
| 13 | KC | 6 | 95 | 0 | 3 | 31 | 0 | 10 |
| 14 | PIT | 8 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| 15 | @CIN | 4 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 67 | 0 | 4 |
| 16 | DEN | 4 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 40 | 0 | 11 |
| 17 | @KC | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 0 | 1 |
| PROJECTION | 69 | 320 | 1 | 44 | 410 | - | 71 | |
| * indicates player did not play that week | ||||||||
Scheduled Games
| WK | DATE | OPP | OPP RANK | OPP FPTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 09/10 | Denver Broncos | 21 | 19.13 |
| 2 | 09/15 | Kansas City Chiefs | 31 | 23.78 |
| 3 | 09/22 | @Minnesota Vikings | 16 | 17.50 |
| 4 | 09/29 | @Indianapolis Colts | 13 | 17.11 |
| 5 | 10/06 | Chicago Bears | 1 | 11.35 |
| 6 | BYE | - | - | - |
| 7 | 10/20 | @Green Bay Packers | 19 | 18.13 |
| 8 | 10/27 | @Houston Texans | 6 | 14.82 |
| 9 | 11/03 | Detroit Lions | 11 | 17.00 |
| 10 | 11/08 | Los Angeles Chargers | 24 | 20.00 |
| 11 | 11/17 | Cincinnati Bengals | 30 | 23.38 |
| 12 | 11/24 | @New York Jets | 18 | 17.75 |
| 13 | 12/01 | @Kansas City Chiefs | 31 | 23.78 |
| 14 | 12/08 | Tennessee Titans | 4 | 13.50 |
| 15 | 12/15 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 7 | 15.13 |
| 16 | 12/22 | @Los Angeles Chargers | 24 | 20.00 |
| 17 | 12/29 | @Denver Broncos | 21 | 19.13 |
Team Trends
Red Zone Trends
Career Stats
| Season | RuAtt | RuYd | RuTD | Recpt | ReYd | ReTD | FPTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 55 | 259 | 1 | 68 | 607 | 0 | 87 |
| 2017 | 56 | 275 | 1 | 27 | 256 | 1 | 58 |
| 2016 | 83 | 491 | 1 | 29 | 194 | 2 | 86 |
| 3 Year Avg | 65 | 342 | 1 | 41 | 352 | 1 | 77 |
| Career | 194 | 1025 | 3 | 124 | 1057 | 3 |