The Las Vegas Raiders’ receiving situation has evolved dramatically following the Jakobi Meyers trade as Tre Tucker and Tyler Lockett navigate new roles. Both receivers enter Monday Night Football with questions about their reliability despite facing a favorable matchup. Can fantasy football managers trust either Raiders receiver this week?
Tre Tucker Fantasy Outlook
Tucker is averaging 11.9 fantasy points per game, far exceeding expectations entering this season. However, the overall average obscures extreme volatility driven by one massive outlier. Tucker scored 40.9 fantasy points in Week 3, still the highest single-game total by any receiver this season. In his other eight games combined, he has just 66.2 points total.
Tucker’s production has declined four consecutive weeks, bottoming out at 5.5 points last week in the first game after the Meyers trade. Despite playing every single snap against Denver, Tucker commanded just three targets in the loss. The complete absence of volume despite full-time playing time raises concerns about his role moving forward.
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The lack of targets wasn’t due to Tucker being off the field. He ran routes on 100% of Geno Smith’s dropbacks yet saw minimal involvement in the passing game. Las Vegas finished with only 143 total receiving yards in that contest, reflecting offensive struggles across the board.
Tucker has caught 34 of his 46 targets for 455 yards and four touchdowns this season, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. However, the declining usage trend and complete reliance on his Week 3 explosion for season-long value creates uncertainty about his weekly floor.
Tyler Lockett Fantasy Outlook
Lockett is very clearly washed at 33 years old. Yet, he saw a season-high six targets last week, catching five for 44 yards. His 9.5 fantasy points represented his highest total since Week 9 of the 2024 season. Coincidentally, Week 9 of 2024 was also the last time he cracked double digits.
Lockett only played 56% of the snaps against Denver. However, the Raiders designed multiple quick hitters for him that bolstered his output. By no means can Lockett win routes anymore at his age, but the familiarity with Smith from their Seattle days creates instant chemistry that produces results.
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After seeing just 19 snaps in Week 9, Lockett was on the field for 34 plays in Week 10 following his October 27 signing. The savvy veteran reunited with Smith has seemingly resurrected his career, at least temporarily. Lockett led the Raiders in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in his second game with the team.
Should You Start Tucker or Lockett This Week?
The only reason to even consider either receiver is the matchup against Dallas. As poorly as Smith has played this year, if there ever were a week for him to get back on track, it’s this one. The Cowboys allow the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to both quarterbacks and wide receivers.
Of course, the Cowboys also allow the third-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to running backs, meaning this could be an Ashton Jeanty game where the Raiders lean heavily on their rushing attack. Interestingly, Dallas has been solid against tight ends.
Perhaps the Raiders lean more on wide receivers this week because that’s where the Cowboys struggle most. This also should be a high-scoring game with plenty of points, giving Tucker and Lockett increased potential in negative game script as Las Vegas trails.
Both are very risky plays given their talent profiles and recent usage. Do not force either into lineups without compelling roster constraints. However, if you are desperate for receiver help due to byes or injuries, there are certainly worse options out there given Dallas’ historically bad pass defense.