What to do with Henry Ruggs, Nelson Agholor, Hunter Renfrow in Week 16 of the fantasy football playoffs

In the time since Thanksgiving, few teams have endured a worse tailspin than the Las Vegas Raiders. The team has lost four of its last five outings, most recently dropping a game to the woeful Los Angeles Chargers in a Thursday night overtime thriller.

But while the Raiders seem to have squandered a golden opportunity, their offense has largely remained potent. That has kept their myriad pass catchers relevant even as the team’s fortunate have sunk.

Fantasy Football analysis: Raiders WRs Henry Ruggs, Nelson Agholor, Hunter Renfrow

As expected for a rookie, Henry Ruggs’ production has fluctuated wildly over the course of the season. Last week, the first-round pick caught three passes for 18 yards. He also caught three passes seven days before that, though those receptions resulted in 84 yards and a touchdown. Ruggs’ variance requires a close examination of a given opponent and, in most cases, a lack of viable alternatives. However, he can pay off in a significant way for fantasy managers in the playoffs.

But while Ruggs has floated in and out of the passing game, former Philadelphia Eagles castoff Nelson Agholor appears to have rejuvenated his career with the Raiders. Agholor leads the team’s wideouts in receiving yards (684) and touchdown receptions (seven) and continues to see his role in the offense grow. Las Vegas has targeted Agholor 28 times over the past three weeks, a great sign for fantasy managers playing in PPR leagues.

Agholor’s gains appear to have come somewhat at the expense of second-year wideout Hunter Renfrow. Over the last three games, Renfrow has seen just 15 targets, nearly half of Agholor’s total. The Raiders have not featured Renfrow heavily in the red zone, further limiting his upside.

With starting quarterback Derek Carr (groin) practicing in full on Thursday, the Raiders appear ready to roll with their normal offensive approach, something which should benefit their top pass catchers.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Agholor as a FLEX.

Sit Ruggs and Renfrow.