Over/Under: 47.0
Chiefs Implied Team Total: 25.50
Raiders Implied Team Total: 21.50
The Kansas City Chiefs/Oakland Raiders matchup is one of the most interesting contests on the slate. Not only is it a battle of two 6-6 teams jockeying for position in a wide open AFC West, but it's also one of the most fantasy-friendly games of the week. Both teams rank in the bottom-10 in passing yards allowed per contest, and both have more than enough offensive firepower to take advantage of the situation.
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
FanDuel Price: $7,700
A year after earning national acclaim and MVP consideration, Derek Carr has had a rocky season. The up-and-coming signal caller has tossed multiple touchdown passes in only four of eleven contests this year, as the offense has often struggled to put points on the board. There have been highs and lows, but in spite of it all, this is the time for him to show why the Raiders paid him so handsomely in the off-season.
The Chiefs are allowing the third-most (tied) FanDuel points per game to opposing quarterbacks (19.5) and were just lit up by Josh McCown and the New York Jets a week ago. The Raiders are 4-point underdogs against an exploitable pass defense in a game with the third-highest over/under of the week. Carr should be throwing early and often. Oh, and the last time these teams played, he went off for 417 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. If you're taking a thrifty approach to the quarterback position in Week 14, you could do a lot worse than Carr.
Michael Crabtree, WR, Oakland Raiders
FanDuel Price: $7,100
With his one-game suspension firmly behind him, Michael Crabtree finds himself in a premium spot in Week 14. For starters, he's facing a Chiefs defense that allows 32.5 FanDuel points per contest (second-most) to opposing wideouts. Furthermore, the Chiefs have allowed 16 touchdown receptions (also second-most) to opposing receivers. This bodes well for Crabtree, who has snared 6 touchdowns in spite of missing two contests this season.
Additionally, Amari Cooper's status is very much up in the air as he recovers from a concussion and ankle issues. Crabtree is in a position to dominate the team's target in a premium matchup, and can be started for WR16 cost in a potentially pass-heavy game script. This is a great opportunity for the veteran to return considerable value.
Others to Consider
If Cooper ($7,000) ends up playing, he would also be worthy of consideration in such a tasty matchup against a team he dominated with a 11-210-2 stat line in Week 7. However, there is a reasonable chance he misses another contest to recuperate from his injuries, so keep an eye on his status this week.
Is "Beast Mode" back to his old ways? Marshawn Lynch ($6,400) has certainly looked reinvigorated in the Raiders offense, accumulating 168 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns over his last two games. This week, he faces a Chiefs defense that allows 129.5 rushing yards per game (third-most) and he can be started for RB21 cost. Sounds like a solid deal to me.
Alex Smith ($8,200) looked fantastic last week, lighting up the Jets for 366 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 70 rushing yards. This week, his matchup with the Raiders is equally enticing, but at QB3 cost, there are no savings to be enjoyed here.
Kareem Hunt ($7,200) has struggled lately, and the Raiders are much better against the run than the pass. It could be another disappointing day for the rookie.
Tyreek Hill ($7,800) has accounted for five plays of 30-plus yards in only three games against the Raiders in his career. The WR4 cost is exorbitant, but it's hard to argue with upside like that.