NFL Fantasy Football 2009: Top 5 Oakland Raiders to Draft

Towards the latter part of the 2008 season the Oakland Raiders were finally beginning to find their stride, winning the last two games of the year, on their way to a 5-11 record. This year's team returns with some of the same young talent responsible for their late season turnaround, and potential-wise the Oakland Raiders will have plenty to offer Fantasy Football owners in 2009. Here then are the top 5 Raiders players available to Fantasy Football owners this year.

Zach Miller (TE)

Last year Miller developed into JaMarcus Russell's top target, leading the team with 56 catches for 778 yards and a touchdown. In the process Miller caught passes of over 20 yards in 13 out of the 16 games he played in. The former 2nd round draft pick out of Arizona State drastically improved on his 2007 numbers, and there is no reason to think he will not improve again this season. If the offense gets in sync early this year, Miller should top the 60 catches, 800 yards barrier.

Darren McFadden (RB)

McFadden flashed some of the potential that made him the highest Running Back drafted in 2008. In the end though, injuries prevented him from having a great rookie season, leaving the Arkansas star with 684 total yards from scrimmage. McFadden, who ran an eye-popping 4.33 for the 40 at the NFL Combine, has the size and talent needed to be a +1,200 yard rusher this season. Ignore the fact that injuries held him to a platy 499 yards rushing last year; that will only mean you may get him with a lower pick than expected this season. Take McFadden as early as you dare.

Johnny Lee-Higgins (WR- KR)

In Fantasy Football leagues were kick return yards are a factor, Higgins is a valuable asset. Last year the Raiders premier kick returner gained 1,412 yards on returns, running back three punts for TDs. Higgins also proved a threat as a receiver, average 22.9 yards a catch (on 22 catches) and scoring 4 more touchdowns. Though not a top tier receiver, he is worth a late round look in some leagues.

Justin Fargas (RB)

Fargas is suppose to be too slight to be an every day back, but the former USC runner has rushed for over 2,500 yards in his last three seasons for the Raiders. Last year, with the injuries to McFadden, Fargas got the lion's share of the carries in Oakland. The question is, how many carries will he get in a backfield that features McFadden and Bush? As good as he has been over the past few years, Fargas role is in doubt, and he should only be taken in the last few rounds of a Fantasy Football draft.

Sebastian Janikowski (K)

Yes, Janikowski has tremendous leg strength, though Oakland's problems on Offense over the past few seasons have kept him under 100 points since 2004. Still, Janikowski has hit on 77% of his field goal tries including 19 kicks from +50 yards out, and the Raider's Offense is on the rise, which makes gambling on the Oakland kicker a solid option in 2009. In short, Janikowski is not a top tier kicker, but he is better than a lot of other options out there.

Statistical Sources:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/oak/stats;