Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 22nd, 2024, 4:25 ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Network: CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback
Mac Jones: Sit
This matchup is one of the most important of the week, and it’s not due to playoff implications. The Tankathon Game of the Week between Jacksonville and Las Vegas will see Mac Jones quarterbacking the hapless Jaguars once again. Yes, the Raiders are a good matchup for QBs, and yes, Jones did nearly hit 300 yards passing against the Jets last week, but this isn’t a player you’re starting, even in Superflex leagues.
Running Back
Travis Etienne Jr.: FLEX Option, RB3
Tank Bigsby: FLEX Option, RB3
While the exact workload split is a little uncertain, the thing you can count on with this backfield is that Travis Etienne Jr. will operate as the preferred pass-catching back over Tank Bigsby. Etienne has at least three catches in each of his last four games, while Bigsby has only caught multiple passes once all season. That at least gives Etienne a safer floor of the two, but neither is an inspiring option for your FLEX spot. If you have two more reliable RBs, look for another back or a WR to fill that FLEX spot in your lineup this week.
Wide Receiver
Brian Thomas Jr.: Start, WR1
Parker Washington: Sit
Last week’s 10-104-2 performance proved to us that Brian Thomas Jr. is a rare breed of QB-proof alpha receiver. There’s an argument to be made that BTJ is the most impressive rookie receiver this season (though Malik Nabers is still the leader in the clubhouse for many), and he has a great chance to add to a great rookie campaign as one of the few receiving options left on this team. BTJ has double-digit targets in each of the last three games, and while the WR1 ranking may feel lofty, he’s earned it in my eyes. He should be started in all leagues. Parker Washington, on the other hand, should be sat.
Tight End
Brenton Strange: Start, TE1
The 12 targets for Brenton Strange was one of the Strangest stat nuggets of Week 15’s action. With Evan Engram out for the season, Strange assumed the TE1 role for Jacksonville and paid immediate dividends. It’s a small sample size, but in the tight end landscape, there’s reason to believe Strange can deliver again against the team that allows the third-most points to TEs. He’s a back-end TE1 and the best streamer of the week.
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Aidan O’Connell: Sit
It appears that our Tank Commander for the home team will be Aidan O’Connell, who returned to practice on Wednesday. O’Connell should be an improvement for the Raiders offense over Desmond Ridder, but much like Mac, he shouldn’t be near your lineups this week.
Running Back
Ameer Abdullah: FLEX Option, RB3
Alexander Mattison: Sit
The writeup for this backfield is essentially a carbon copy of the Jags’ unit but somehow even less inspiring. The legend of Sincere McCormick ended just as fast as it began, leaving Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison as the remaining RBs in this offense. Abdullah is the better option, thanks to his pass-catching chops, but both should be avoided if possible.
Wide Receiver
Jakobi Meyers: Start, WR2/FLEX Option
Tre Tucker: Sit
Also, like the Jags, there’s only one wide receiver worth starting in this group for the Raiders, and it’s Jakobi Meyers. Meyers salvaged his fantasy day last week by accruing a massive target volume on the last couple of drives for Las Vegas but otherwise struggled with Ridder at quarterback. Having AOC back will certainly help his fantasy upside, and the Jaguars allow the most points to wide receivers out of any team in the league, so Meyers is a solid start this week. He’s probably more of a FLEX than a WR2 just because of the offense he’s on, but he’s right on that borderline in my rankings. Tre Tucker and the other Raiders’ WRs can be comfortably benched.
Tight End
Brock Bowers: Start, TE1
We end this game with an easy one–Brock Bowers is an easy start for your tight end spot. He’s had a few rough games lately but has shown incredible upside while making a campaign for offensive rookie of the year. He’s helped you get this far and can help you make it to Championship Week in this matchup against a weak pass defense as well.