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The Oakland Raiders‘ rookie signal caller Derek Carr beat out veteran quarterback Matt Schaub for the starting nod under center, then made his NFL debut against the New York Jets. Wideout Rod Streater was the main beneficiary of Carr’s game, and savvy fantasy GMs who started him made bank of off Streater’s big performance.
Streater very nearly tore the Jets’ secondary apart. The third-year wideout was targeted seven times, and snagged five receptions for 46 yards and a 12-yard touchdown reception, earning 10 fantasy points for his efforts.
The wide receiver led the Raiders in 2013 with 99 targets, ranking 25th in the NFL among the 72 receivers who managed to play in all 16 regular season games. His numbers from last season warrants a second look. Streater registered 40 or more yards in all but three games, and put up double-digit fantasy points during three of his last seven.
But the bigger question in 2014 will be Carr’s target distribution. Streater will be competing for looks from Carr among a thin but talented WR corps, with the seasoned veterans like Denarius Moore and James Jones breathing down his back. He ranks 35th in the league among fantasy active wideouts, has a 3.2 ownership percentage and an ADP of 170.
Translation? Streater has long-term potential. But until the young flanker can show coaches that he warrants more looks, he may be nothing more than an occasional fill-in within a dangerous passing game. Fantasy owners who gave Streater the nod for Week 1 definitely cashed in, but they are advised to err on the side of caution if they are considering investing in him for the long haul.
