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Game day update: Devontae Booker gets the start for the Raiders in Week 13, yet he’s rostered in just 68% of ESPN fantasy football leagues as we approach game time. If you find yourself in need of a flex play given the Bucs and Panthers byes or otherwise, we could see him in for a nice fantasy day in a plus matchup.
The Las Vegas Raiders will have a new RB1 in their backfield when they take on the New York Jets Sunday. Raiders coach Jon Gruden said on Friday that Josh Jacobs will not play due to an ankle injury, meaning that backup Devontae Booker will get the start. Along with Booker, change of pack back Jalen Richard will some carries.
Fantasy Football analysis: Raiders RB Devontae Booker
Last week against the Atlanta Falcons, Devontae Booker just like the rest of the Raiders’ offense struggled. Booker, who replaced the injured Jacobs, only had five carries for six yards. Coincidentally, this was the second week in a row that Booker had five carries and did not produce much of anything on the ground.
Before those two outings, Booker looked good against the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 10 versus Denver, the 5-foot-11 running back had a season-high 81 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns. That was also his best performance in fantasy football with 20.3 points to end the day.
This week, he faces a New York Jets’ defense that is less than stellar. The Jets are allowing 111 rushing yards per game but only eight touchdowns to opposing running backs. New York is also giving up 18.3 fantasy points this season to running backs, ranking them 17th in the NFL.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Booker as an RB2.