Fantasy Football Player Notes

Palmer took his game to another level last year with Mike Williams out. In those contests, he garnered an 18.9% target share with a 31.4% air-yard share, producing 2.19 yards per route run and 71.1 receiving yards per game. It's not inconceivable that he is the Chargers WR1 this season with his rapport with Herbert. Last year, after Antonio Pierce took over as the Raiders head coach, they deployed single high coverage on 55.4% of their snaps. Against single-high last year, Palmer had a 21% TPRR, 2.22 YPRR, and 0.083 FD/RR. He should lead the way through the air against Las Vegas. Palmer will tangle with Jack Jones (60.6% catch rate and 68.1 passer rating) and Jakorian Bennett (65.6% catch rate and 102.3 passer rating) all day. Palmer is a strong flex play for Week 1.

McConkey is slated to be the team's starting slot receiver. He has the talent to be the team's WR1 this season, but it's still questionable if he will play in two wide receiver sets and how much the Chargers will utilize 11 personnel. I could easily see McConkey being this year's Jayden Reed. A player that has his playing time capped because of the offense that he is in has to rely on touchdown run out and efficiency to hit in his rookie season. McConkey has the raw talent to do it. Last year at Georgia, McConkey was in the 98th percentile in receiving grade and receiving grade versus single coverage. He was also in the 91st percentile or higher in separation percentage and YPRR. He's a dicey flex for Week 1. McConkey will line up against Nate Hobbs (76.8% catch rate and 103.1 passer rating) for most of the game. After Antonio Pierce took over as the head coach, the Raiders allowed the 11th-fewest receiving touchdowns and the 14th-fewest receiving yards to slot receivers.

Edwards enters the 2024 season as the favorite for work in this Bolts' backfield, but he isn't a tough player to hop in the pecking order if J.K. Dobbins can prove he is back or Kimani Vidal outplays both of them. Last season, Edwards was the RB32 in fantasy, with the strength of 13 total touchdowns (fourth-most). Edwards is an early down grinder who only managed a 2.8% target share last season, so all of his value will have to come via rushing. Among 49 qualifying backs, Edwards ranked 25th in explosive run rate, 31st in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 32nd in yards after contact per attempt. The Raiders tightened up as a run defense after Antonio Pierce became the head coach last year, allowing the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game and the third-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt. Edwards is a touchdown-dependent flex.

The offseason talk around Dobbins has been positive. Unfortunately, he didn't play in the preseason, so it's all speculation right now regarding what he can bring to the table and his role this season. I would be shocked if he was given 15 or more carries out the gate. Last year, in Week 1, Dobbins tore his Achilles. I expect the Chargers to ease him in. Considering that and a tough rushing matchup, Dobbins is better off staying on your bench this week. The Raiders tightened up as a run defense after Antonio Pierce became the head coach last year, allowing the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game and the third-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt.