Raiders get rid of WR Darrius Heyward-Bey

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Just as Michael Crabtree is breaking out, the wide receiver who was stupidly drafted in front of him in 2009 is moving on. The Raiders cut Darrius Heyward-Bey on Tuesday, a move that will save the franchise $5.43 million. Heyward-Bey had his best season to date in 2011, catching 64 passes for 975 yards. But he never became the game-changing wide receiver the Raiders envisioned him being when they took him with the seventh overall pick. Crabtree, who was widely considered to be the best wideout in that year's draft, was chosen by the 49ers three picks later. FANTASY ANALYSIS: DHB was drafted because the Raiders (Al Davis, more so) are seriously addicted to people that can run fast. Heyward-Bey still has that ability, but he's a one-trick

Darrius Heyward-Bey could be cut this offseason

Source: Draft Sharks

Raiders insider Steve Corkran expects WR Darrius Heyward-Bey to be cut this offseason unless he agrees to a restructured contract  DHB is due a prohibitive $7.7 million in 2013 -- far too much for a guy who has struggled to become a consistent weapon through 4 NFL seasons.  The former 7th overall pick has yet to record a 1,000-yard season.  And he's totaled just 11 TDs.  Oakland might be better off moving forward with Denarius Moore, Juron Criner, and Rod Streater as their top 3 WRs.

Darrius Heyward-Bey - Heyward-Bey could be cap casualty

Source: The Huddle

The Oakland Raiders may consider releasing WR Darrius Heyward-Bey this offseason to gain some salary cap space. Heyward-Bey is scheduled to make $7.72 million next season.
Huddle Up: The emergence of Rod Streater and Denarius Moore and the promise of Juron Criner likely will make DHB expendable.

Raiders | Week 17 Inactives

Source: Footballguys.com

The Oakland Raiders have declared DL Brandon Bair, QB Carson Palmer, RB Jeremy Stewart, WR Juron Criner, OG Mike Brisiel, LB Rolando McClain, SS Tyvon Branch inactive for Week 17.

Raiders | Five probable

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders TE David Ausberry (knee), OT Khalif Barnes (triceps), LB Miles Burriss (knee), DE Jack Crawford (toe) and WR Juron Criner (hip) are probable for Week 17. Crawford and Criner practiced in full Friday, Dec. 28, while the others were limited.

Raiders | Three fully practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders DE Jack Crawford (toe), WR Juron Criner (hip) and TE Brandon Myers (shoulder) all fully practiced Thursday, Dec. 27.

Raiders | Few roster spots guaranteed

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders C Stefen Wisniewski, OT Jared Veldheer, OG Tony Bergstrom, RB Marcel Reece, WR Rod Streater, WR Juron Criner, DT Lamarr Houston, SS Tyvon Branch, FS Michael Huff and LB Miles Burris are considered the only players to have secured roster spots for 2013.

Raiders | Two questionable

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders SS Tyvon Branch (neck, ankle) and WR Juron Criner (hip) were limited in practice Friday, Dec. 21, and are questionable for Week 16.

Raiders | Five limited

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders DB Phillip Adams (concussion), OT Khalif Barnes (triceps), WR Juron Criner (hip), TE Richard Gordon (biceps) and SS Michael Mitchell (neck) were limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 20.

Raiders | Five limited

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders CB Phillip Adams (concussion), OT Khalif Barnes (triceps), WR Juron Criner (hip), TE Richard Gordon (biceps) and S Michael Mitchell (neck) were limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Raiders | Juron Criner to be evaluated

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (hip) will be evaluated Wednesday, Dec. 19, after playing just eight snaps in Week 15 before injuring his hip.

Raiders | Juron Criner injured

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (hip) suffered a hip injury in Week 15.

Mostly NFL Notes: Adrian Peterson a medical marvel

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Since returning from injury, DeMarco Murray has 44 carries for 136 yards, good for a 3.1 YPC mark, although he's salvaged fantasy value by scoring twice. Among Murray's 21 rushing attempts Sunday, his longest gain was seven yards, although in fairness the Bengals are actually the best team in the NFL at limiting long runs, as they've allowed just five carries for 20+ yards and zero for 40+ on the year…BenJarvus Green-Ellis had one carry that went at least 30 yards during his career entering Week 12. He's had runs for 48, 41 and 38 yards in each of his past three games, respectively…Assuming you weren't on bye, A.J. Green sure picked a bad week to have his worst game of the

Juron Criner: Sneak Peak at 2013

Source: Fantasy Sharks NFL

It's December, so naturally the Oakland Raiders are out of playoff contention and looking to next season. Rolando McClain, the death of Dennis Allen's father, and Carson Palmer's cliff dive are stealing all of the headlines, but there are some interesting young players developing on the roster that could spell a brighter future for the Raiders.

Raiders | Seven players listed as probable

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders RB Mike Goodson (ankle), RB Taiwan Jones (ankle), WR Juron Criner (shoulder), OT Khalif Barnes (triceps), FS Matt Giordano (concussion), SS Tyvon Branch (neck) and SS Michael Mitchell (concussion) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Dec. 5, and are listed as probable for Week 14.

Raiders | Eight limited in practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders T Khalif Barnes (triceps), DE Jack Crawford (toe), WR Juron Criner (shoulder), DB Matt Giordano (concussion), RB Taiwan Jones (ankle), SS Michael Mitchell (concussion), TE Brandon Myers (shoulder) and FB Marcel Reece (knee, quadriceps) all were limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 4.

Target Practice, Week 13: Aaron Hernandez is back on the leader board

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Aaron Hernandez barely finished inside the top-10 at his position in Week 13 fantasy scoring, and he failed to visit the end zone. Thus, I won't try to convince you that he carried anyone into the fantasy playoffs, single-handedly. In fact, Hernandez had a somewhat sloppy day, with an ugly drop on the Patriots' opening series, plus another near-catch that skipped off his outstretched hands (and, if caught, would have resulted in a touchdown). He was also the targeted receiver on Tom Brady's first quarter

Raiders | Denarius Moore leads team in receiving in Week 4

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Denarius Moore had four receptions for a team-high 71 yards in the Week 4 game against the Denver Broncos. WR Juron Criner checked in with two grabs for 29 yards.

Raiders | Juron Criner expected to be active

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner, who was inactive for the past two games, is expected to suit up in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. He has never caught an NFL pass.

Raiders | Two WRs injured in Week 3

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WRs Juron Criner (ankle) and Rod Streater (eye) suffered injuries in the Week 3 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Raiders | Week 3 Inactives

Source: Footballguys.com

The Oakland Raiders have declared DL Christo Bilukidi, OT Joseph Barksdale, WR Juron Criner, OT Khalif Barnes, OG Lucas Nix, CB Shawntae Spencer, QB Terrelle Pryor inactive for Week 3.

Raiders | Juron Criner practices

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 20.

Raiders | Juron Criner practices in full

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (ankle) was able to practice fully Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Raiders | Five players listed as questionable

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders RB Taiwan Jones (ribs), WR Juron Criner (ankle), C Alex Parsons (shoulder), LB Rolando McClain (ankle) and LS Jon Condo (concussion) were limited during practice Friday, Sept. 14, and are listed as questionable for Week 2.

Raiders | Juron Criner limited in practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Denarius Moore - WRs Moore, Ford inactive for Raiders

Source: The Huddle

The Oakland Raiders have declared WR Denarius Moore, DL Jack Crawford, WR Jacoby Ford, OT Joseph Barksdale, OG Lucas Nix, QB Terrelle Pryor, OG Tony Bergstrom inactive for Week 1.
Huddle Up: With Moore and Ford out, the Raiders are thin at WR. They will lean heavily on Darrius Heyward-Bey and rookies Juron Criner and Rod Streater.

Raiders | Juron Criner questionable for Week 1

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (ankle) was able to take part in practice Saturday, Sept. 8. Officially, he is listed as questionable for the Week 1 game Monday, Sept. 10, against the San Diego Chargers.

Raiders | Three limited during practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (ankle), OG Cooper Carlisle (back) and DT Richard Seymour (knee) were limited during practice Friday, Sept. 7.

Raiders | Three players limited during practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (ankle), OG Cooper Carlisle (back) and DT Richard Seymour (knee) were limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 6.

Raiders | Juron Criner practices Tuesday

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner (ankle) returned to practice Tuesday, Sept. 4.

Heavier workload for Raiders RB Darren McFadden due to injured WRs?

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

NFL.com writer Marc Sessler speculated that due to the many injuries affecting the Oakland Raiders receiving corps, it could mean a larger reliance on running back Darren McFadden. WR Jacoby Ford (foot) quot;hasn't practiced in weeks" and only began jogging at practice Tuesday. WR Denarius Moore is battling a hamstring injury. Rookie WR Juron Criner (ankle) returned to practice Tuesday. McFadden could be the main beneficiary as the team allows the group to heal. FANTASY ANALYSIS: This of course makes sense logically but the Raiders may also opt to mix-in backup backs Taiwan Jones and Mike Goodson. The Raiders lost Michael Bush yet that doesn't mean their depth will be an issue. The key for Oakland is to keep McFadden healthy and leaning

Raiders | Juron Criner dealing with injury

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said WR Juron Criner (ankle) has been dealing with an ankle injury but does not think it is serious. Allen hopes Criner will be able to play Week 1.

Fantasy Football 2012: Top 200 PPR Player Rankings (Updated 8/31)

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

As your draft starts to wind down into the final rounds, there are always a few players to keep in mind that may be overlooked by others, but could prove to be valuable stashes. This is especially the case for older veteran players who won’t generate buzz around the Internet or on major television networks.

I wanted to take the time to point out one player who fits these qualifications, but will likely end up starting for his team in the early weeks.

 

Norv Turner & Ronnie Brown Reunite In San Diego

Going back to their time in Miami, Norv Turner has been a fan of Ronnie Brown. While Ryan Mathews continues to

Top 75 WRs: 2012 PPR Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Rankings (Updated 8/30)

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

The Steelers have had the good fortune of developing mid-round draft picks into viable Pro Bowl weapons over the past few seasons. Mike Wallace is one of the more explosive deep threats in the game and Antonio Brown is one of top up and coming possession receivers around.

While it’s good to hear Wallace is back on the practice field and should be a go for the team's Week 1 game in Denver, fantasy owners need to be cautious in thinking he’s ready to make an impact early on.

Going as a WR3, Wallace has fair value, but I would look to perhaps other receivers to start if you go with three

Fantasy Football: 13 Observations from 4 'Philanthropist' Drafts (16 Teams)

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Last weekend, I hosted four "Fantasy Philanthropist" league drafts with my Twitter followers, with each setup comprising 16 teams and standard-scoring rules.

Here are 13 interesting developments from the drafts, along with my respective rosters for all four leagues.


1. Raiders tailback Darren McFadden was a top-six pick in three of the four Philanthropist drafts, with an average ranking of 7.75.

2. Arian Foster and Ray Rice were the top two picks in all four drafts, with Foster (4,061 yards, 30 TD in 2010-11) going No. 1 three times.

3. Maurice

Terrelle Pryor puts on a show vs. Lions

Source: Draft Sharks

After Carson Palmer tossed 2 INTs against Detroit Saturday night, Terrelle Pryor stole the show. The second-year quarterback threw a pair of TD passes -- both to rookie Juron Criner -- and ran for another. Pryor's feet make him an intriguing play if Carson Palmer goes down, though he certainly figures to be wildly inconsistent if pressed into duty. He should be on dynasty radars as well.

Rod Streater will start 3rd preseason game

Source: Draft Sharks

With WRs Denarius Moore (hamstring) and Jacoby Ford (foot) both still out, Raiders WR Rod Streater will start against the Lions on Saturday.  The rookie has been impressive through 2 exhibition games, hauling in 13 balls for 109 yards.  He's clearly ahead of fellow rookie Juron Criner for the 4th spot on the depth chart.  And if Moore and Ford's injuries continue to linger, Streater could be a fantasy factor.  There's no timetable for either Moore or Ford's return, although the former is reportedly closer.  Streater is looking like a viable late-round flier in fantasy drafts.

Top 200: 2012 NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings, Projections (Updated 8/19)

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

With week two of the preseason almost done, I wanted to talk about one receiver moving up the charts and two QB1 talents who are currently struggling.

 

Brandon Lloyd A WR1

It’s time to jump on the Brandon Lloyd bandwagon that has been building up over the summer in fantasy circles. Lloyd is a worthy WR1 in a deep class of receivers this year. It is possible that we could see even better overall numbers from Tom Brady as he will pick apart defenses with ease, and with Lloyd inserted as the option over the top, his production could turn him into a top-five receiver in standard leagues.

Still working with Josh McDaniels, Lloyd

Top 80 WR's: 2012 Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Rankings (Updated 8/19)

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

The second week of the preseason is almost in the books, but we have injuries to key receivers to update. It’s good to know the up-and-coming names in the league and the stars to trust in the early rounds.

However, ignoring lingering ailments like Peyton Manning’s last year can get you into trouble. With this in mind, it’s time to take a closer look at the Packers' superstar wide receiver.

 

Greg Jennings Concussion

Jennings suffered a concussion a few weeks ago and has yet to find the

Denarius Moore not close to returning

Source: Draft Sharks

"Based on workouts with a trainer on the side," Raiders WR Denarius Moore (hamstring) isn't close to returning, according to beat writer Vic Tafur.  This hammy has been bothering Moore for the better part of the past 3 months, and now he's missing valuable camp and preseason action.  We just bumped him down our rankings.  Jacoby Ford will pick up extra snaps and targets if Moore continues to miss time.  Rookies Rod Streater and Juron Criner would benefit too.

Top 80 WR's: 2012 PPR Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Rankings (Updated 8/12)

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

The first week of the preseason is almost in the books and while we will see more from first team offenses in the coming weeks, we can take away some positives. A couple veteran receivers have caught my eye while scrolling over teams while watching NFL Game Rewind.

 

A Change Of Heart About Pierre Garcon

Heading into the preseason, I was skeptical Garcon could perform at a consistent WR3 level.

Up and down play was a problem back in Indianapolis and we’ve seen Washington overpay players in the past, but their production on the field doesn’t translate to the contract the team dished out. Even though

Raiders | Juron Criner continues to impress

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders WR Juron Criner continues to build on the momentum created by his sensational play during offseason workouts into training camp. Criner has routinely come down with acrobatic catches in practice, and looks like he could be a No. 1 receiver in the near future. Criner could crack the starting lineup at some point this season.

2012 Top 200 Fantasy Football Player Rankings

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

More than a week into training camps, it’s time to take a look at a few second-year players who are benefiting from their first full offseasons. I'm sure both Torrey Smith and Stevan Ridley struggled through last summer during the league's lockout, but they have impressed in camp, thus far.

This is the type of growth you want to hear about from young players around the league at this time of year.

Has the light bulb come on? Do they understand the importance of taking care of the little details in their crafts, to be effective pros?

It’s crucial to hear positive signs in camp, not just highlight plays against vanilla defenses in preseason

2012 Top 75 WR's: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings, Projections

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

It’s time to dial up the top 75 rankings for wide receivers as we prepare for preseason action and fantasy drafts. Most active fantasy owners know by now to expect a deep receiving class on draft day, but there are always a few options who could contribute at a cheap price at the end of your draft or through the waiver wire.

With that said, we want to look at receivers that are getting valuable reps with the first-team offenses because of holdouts from top stars. This is a positive sign for any up-and-coming prospect because they have time to establish chemistry with the starting quarterback.

 

Baldwin Gets Value Reps With Bowe Out

It’s time to pay attention to Jonathan Baldwin as a

Juggernaut Index No. 20: The Oakland Raiders

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

I'm not totally sure where "Get an Al Davis tattoo" ranks on the list of things that I will never, ever EVER do to myself, but it's up there. Definitely top-10. Probably top-five.

Still, I appreciate the fact that there are Oakland Raiders fans out there doing it — true zealots, like the dude in the image above. Tip of the cap to you, sir. Here's hoping the Dennis Allen era treats you well.

Back in January, Allen was named the 18th head coach in Raiders history, the fifth since we began producing the

Raiders | Juron Criner signed

Source: Footballguys.com

The Oakland Raiders have signed fifth-round draft choice WR Juron Criner. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Raiders | Juron Criner should be signed soon

Source: Footballguys.com

Oakland Raiders fifth-round draft pick WR Juron Criner should be signed soon and definitely be in training camp by Sunday, July 29, according to a source.

Top Fantasy Football Handcuffs at Every Offensive Position

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Fantasy football handcuffing is hedging your bets. You are essentially wagering that your higher pick will get injured, suspended or otherwise incapacitated during the season.

Of course, for certain players, that is not a bad idea. Do you really think Darren McFadden will make it through an entire season?

Handcuffing makes sense for a few players, and it makes even more sense if your league features big benches. There are certainly some handcuffs that are better than others. Let's take a look at the best ones at each position.

 

Quarterback

Don't handcuff your quarterback. Just in case you are in a deep,

Raiders | Young WRs led to Louis Murphy trade

Source: Footballguys.com

The emergence of Oakland Raiders WRs Juron Criner and Rod Streater enabled the team to trade WR Louis Murphy to the Carolina Panthers. The move also opens up a roster spot and cap space.

NFL | Seven draft picks remained unsigned

Source: Footballguys.com

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon, Kansas City Chiefs DL Dontari Poe, Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill, Minnesota Vikings OT Matt Kalil, Oakland Raiders OL Tony Bergstrom and WR Juron Criner, and Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright remain the only 2012 NFL draft picks unsigned.