Running Back:
Josh Jacobs (OAK)
Josh Jacobs has been impressive to start the season. The Oakland Raiders’ rookie saw 23 carries in the first week of the season against the Denver Broncos, rushing for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns. In the next week, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he was far less involved, carrying the ball only 12 times, but rushing for just under 100 yards, or 8.3 yards per carry (YPC). As expected, the first-round pick out of Alabama is not featured in the Raiders’ passing attack, but he has seen significant red zone opportunities. In fact, he is leading the league in red zone rushes with 12. That means 34.3% of his carries come within the 20-yard line. Gus Edwards and Ezekiel Elloitt are tied for second with 8 carries each. This week, the Raiders are traveling into Minnesota to square off against the Vikings. Jacobs has plenty of touchdown upside, and he can be considered as a top option in both season-long and daily fantasy leagues.
Wide Receiver:
Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)
Emmanuel Sanders looked impressive in week 1 against the Oakland Raiders, catching 5 passes on 7 targets for 86 yards and 1 touchdown. After an injury-ridden 2018, it looks like the former third-round pick out of SMU is back on track. In week 2, his production level increased, as he caught 11 passes on 13 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears. His average yards per reception is slightly concerning, but his red zone production is what makes Sanders an elite option in both season-long and daily fantasy leagues. On the season, he has 7 targets in the red zone, which leads the league. Of those 7 targets, 5 of them converted into receptions and 2 of them went for touchdowns. Much like the Raiders, the Denver Broncos are traveling into the home territory of the NFC North. The Green Bay Packers have a solid secondary, and this week will be a true test for Sanders. If he continues to produce, it could be time to start inquiring about trades in season-long leagues.
Tight End:
Jason Witten (DAL)
Jason Witten is one of the more surprising streamable tight end options in 2019. He returned to the field from the booth after what many are calling a poor performance, especially in comparison to his former teammate, Tony Romo. Luckily for Witten, he is much better on the field. The 37-year-old has 7 total receptions for 40 yards and 2 touchdowns this season. Of those 7 receptions, 4 of them are inside the 20-yard line. Witten has converted on all 4 of his red zone targets, and if the Dallas Cowboys continue to rely on the big-bodied TE when it matters, his fantasy upside remains high. His touchdown production is going to subside, but he is cheap in daily fantasy leagues, and in season-long fantasy leagues, he is very likely available in free agency. It is worth considering him in both formats, as Dak Prescott continues to identify his favorite receiving options.
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