The Las Vegas Raiders were embarrassed in Week 3 by the Carolina Panthers, one week after beating a Super Bowl contender, the Baltimore Ravens. Jakobi Meyers helped the Raiders’ offense produce throughout the game, even in the loss. His seven receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown were the second-best receiving total on the Raiders in Week 3.
Can we expect Meyers to continue this strong performance, or are we looking at a trap? Meyers is only rostered on 49% of Sleeper rosters, and with a season full of injuries, we have to analyze whether Meyers can help elevate our rosters in Week 4 and beyond.
Should Jakobi Meyers Be Added on the Fantasy Waiver Wire in Week 4?
Meyers has shown moments of being a strong flex play, but we have significant questions surrounding the veteran wide receiver, which is why we suggest you look elsewhere to bolster your roster. The first issue is quarterback. In the middle of Week 3, head coach Antonio Pierce changed the man under center from Gardner Minshew to Aidan O’Connell. Pierce hesitates in his most recent press conference to pick his starter for Week 4, which places inconsistency within Meyers’ fantasy outlook.
Kobi for 6‼️#CARvsLV | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/3ApTvuhha6
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 22, 2024
Next week, the Raiders welcome the Cleveland Browns, who are struggling in their own right but mainly on the offensive side of the ball. Although the Browns have created pressures and sacks, wide receivers have had strong fantasy performances against the Browns. The Browns’ defense has allowed the sixth most targets to the position. However, they have only allowed the 12th most receptions while allowing the 15th most receiving yards to the position. With the Browns allowing the 12th most fantasy points to the wide receiver position per game, they can be exploited, but the Raiders have a few too many cooks in the kitchen.
The Raiders passing offense has gotten stronger this year as they drafted Brock Bowers. Last season, Meyers was the second option in the passing game. Now, with Bowers, the offense runs the passing game through Adams and Bowers before turning to Meyers. TruMedia ranks his 17 total targets as the 39th best in the NFL. Meyers produces 10.9 receiving yards per reception, which is the 50th-best in the NFL. These stats, combined with the fact that the Browns offense is a slower, less efficient offense, make us believe this game will not become a shootout.
Pierce has stated in the past that he would like to get Zamir White more touches, and with a possible change in quarterback, we could see a more prominent return to the run game. Vegas also believes this game will be low-scoring, as the implied total is only 38 points, with the Raiders as a one-point favorite. This implied total leans into the narrative that the Raiders will have the lead, utilize the run more, and limit target opportunities for Meyers.
Without a command of the target share, trusting Meyers amid a quarterback controversy would be foolish and hamper our fantasy football teams in Week 4 and beyond. Do not let any rise in the rankings make you miss the truth behind the Raiders wide receiver.