Kirby Lee USA TODAY Sports
Darren McFadden is slated not to return to action for the Oakland Raiders until their Week 8 tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you are a McFadden owner and you haven’t handcuffed him with Rashad Jennings, you need to move quickly and put in your add/drop request. If you were wise enough to stash Jennings, then you absolutely need to get him in your lineup this week against the division rival San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers’ defense has been completely hapless against the run this season. Through four weeks they have allowed 492 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Opposing running backs have averaged an astonishing 5.2 yards per carry. Manti Te’o returning to the lineup is ultimately a nonfactor when you consider he is a rookie who was hurt early in the preseason.
McFadden injured his hamstring early in the Week 4 game against the Washington Redskins. Jennings came in and became the feature of the Raiders’ offense for the remainder of the game. Jennings totaled 116 yards, including eight catches for 71 yards.
With Terrelle Pryor ready to return to action this week, Jennings’ ability to catch check-down passes out of the backfield will be a great asset. In leagues that award a point per reception, this bounces Jennings’ value even higher.
Jennings is a must-start option this week and I would even consider him for full-time action on your squad until McFadden returns after the team’s Week 7 bye. A lot of times, the difference between a win and a loss comes down to making the most of your opportunities. Don’t let Rashad Jennings pass you by.
Eric Beuning is a Fantasy Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ericbeuning or add him to your network on Google.
