The Las Vegas Raiders pulled an upset in Week 2 over the Baltimore Ravens, shocking the NFL landscape. The Raiders, on paper, are a run-first team. However, they have been passing over expectations this entire season. This stat leads us to question which running back we should start coming from Vegas.
We have Zamir White, who was a running back in the running back dead zone of most drafts, while Alexander Mattison has come back into our lives like an ex-partner who we just can’t quit. The Raiders have leaned into both players and fantasy football managers are wondering if they can trust either player to be a steady starter and whether they can use either Raiders running back in Week 3.
Let’s break down the key insights to help define which of these Raiders running backs can lead us to glory.
Should You Start Zamir White or Alexander Mattison in Week 3?
In Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say White is the player to start. His 9.5 projected points consist of 52.8 rushing yards and 11.7 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Mattison is projected to have only 6.7 total fantasy points, with 28.1 rushing yards and 9.7 receiving yards.
White is leading the way because their opponent is the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled out of the gate in 2024. With the Raiders expected to be in a positive game script, White has the opportunity for a work-horse role in Week 3.
White’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
With the Raiders expecting to lead the way for most of the game in Week 3, we could see more of the White who excited us at the end of the 2023 NFL season. In the last four games of the 2023 season, White had 17+ rushing attempts in every game at 4.67 yards per rush, according to TruMedia. This year, he only averages 3.1 yards per rush, with only 4.5% of his rushes resulting in a first down.
The good news is that the Panthers’ defense can not stop the run. In 2024, they have allowed the second-most yards to running backs (333) and the second-most rushing touchdowns (three). White should be able to regain his form against the Panthers as the Raiders and head coach Antonio Pierce return to their identity in Week 3.
#Raiders HC Antonio Pierce on Zamir White:
“I’m gonna keep pumping him up. Our goal is to get 20+ touches with him. That was the goal this week, didn’t happen. That’s gonna be the goal this week and every week while he’s the starting running back and I’m here.”
Pierce has a 90%… pic.twitter.com/xLEbPRMs4a
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) September 16, 2024
Mattison’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Mattison’s fantasy value this year centered around his work in the passing game, specifically in Week 1 of the NFL season. With Mattison seeing six targets so far this year, he ranks 22nd song running back in targets. His 10.8 yards per reception are the 10th most for running backs and unfold a wrinkle within the Raiders’ offense that they didn’t plan for to start the season.
Although he is talented out of the backfield in passing plays, the issue is how often he will get to perform this week. The Raiders should easily handle the Panthers’ defense with the basic run game. If that’s the case, Mattison should see more time on the bench and occasionally enter the game as the spell back to give White a break. The game’s narrative caps Mattison’s fantasy outlook for Week 3.