Week 16 – James Jones vs. Buffalo Bills
Winning was a once a tradition for Oakland. Today’s Raiders don’t win very often, but they have their own traditions. And James Jones participated in one of those last Sunday. With Oakland getting whipped 31-6 by Kansas City late in the fourth quarter, Jones, like other garbage time pioneers before him, caught a touchdown pass. It was his second touchdown of the season against the Chiefs. Overall, James concluded his day with eight receptions for 57 yards. Unfortunately for Jones, he won’t be playing Kansas City again and must deal with a Buffalo defense that put the clamps on Aaron Rodgers. Now would not be a good time to roll the dice.
Week 15 – James Jones at Oakland Raiders
Although the Raiders enjoyed plenty of team success last Sunday with a victory over their Bay Area neighbors, the 49ers, James Jones had his poorest day as a member of the Silver and Black. Jones hauled in just two passes for 11 yards. He caught the game-winning touchdown when Oakland stunned Kansas City earlier in the season, but Jones lost WR3 value awhile ago and will not be getting it back at hostile Arrowhead Stadium.
Week 14 – James Jones vs. San Francisco 49ers
James Jones hauled in six passes for 33 yards in Week 13. Jones has been a nice addition to the Oakland roster, but the Raiders are as bad as ever and their passing game is not good enough to support a regular fantasy starter. In some weeks, Jones might be worth a gamble, but not against San Francisco’s solid defense.
Week 13 – James Jones at St. Louis Rams
Frequently wrong in personnel decisions, the Oakland front office deserves credit for signing James Jones. Jones leads the Raiders in receptions and receiving yards. He also caught the game-winning touchdown pass in Week 12. Jones has clearly added professionalism and stability to a young group of receivers. Nevertheless, fantasy firmness has been elusive with Jones averaging 49.5 yards and 4.9 receptions a game. Those are the numbers of a fantasy reserve. In light of that, keep Jones on the sidelines.
Week 12 – James Jones vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Although he had some decent games earlier in the season, recently James Jones has been in a slump along with the rest of the Oakland offense. In his last three games, Jones has produced 73 yards. Until he gets back on track, you are much better off plugging someone else into your lineup.
Week 11 – James Jones at San Diego Chargers
In yet another lost Sunday for the Raiders, at least James Jones set a record. However, it was a pretty dubious one. Jones caught eight passes, but managed only 20 yards. It was the NFL wide receiver record for fewest yards on eight receptions in a game. At least those who started Jones in PPR leagues got something out of his “accomplishment.” Jones played well against San Diego back in Week 6, catching five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, but has struggled since then. Especially in light of what we saw last weekend, Jones is best to use as a WR3 in PPR leagues as opposed to standard ones.
Week 10 – James Jones vs. Denver Broncos
James Jones played his poorest game as a Raider in Week 9. Stymied by Seattle’s strong secondary, Jones could only muster three receptions for 18 yards. As Jones will be aiming to rebound, it is worth noting Denver is more vulnerable against the pass than the run. Plus, the Raiders will probably be facing a deficit most of the day on Sunday, giving Jones some mild appeal as a WR3.
Week 9 – James Jones at Seattle Seahawks
James Jones did not have a gigantic game on Sunday, catching six passes for 62 yards, but he was targeted 11 times by Derek Carr, which was more than any other Oakland player. Although fellow wide receiver Andre Holmes has more upside, Jones is a passable WR3 most weeks. However, we do not like his chances of success in a very tough matchup against what appears to be a revitalized Seattle defense. If you have enough depth during this severe bye week crunch and can sit Jones, you probably should.
Week 8 – James Jones at Cleveland Browns
After an unexpectedly positive run, James Jones finally had an off game on Sunday. James was bottled up by Arizona’s defense, finishing with four receptions for 35 yards. A rebound could take place in Cleveland, as the Browns appear to be reeling in the wake of a dreadful loss to Jacksonville. Cleveland’s pass defense has looked respectable at times, but they were also picked apart by Tennessee earlier in the season, which should give any team facing them plenty of hope. Jones can be utilized as your WR3 or flex.
Week 7 – James Jones vs. Arizona Cardinals
Andre Holmes has stolen some of his thunder, but James Jones remains a steady contributor for fantasy teams, especially with Derek Carr coming into his own. Last Sunday, Jones produced five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown in a 31-28 loss to San Diego. The touchdown was his third of the season. While Arizona’s pass defense has not been as bad as their statistics would indicate, the Raiders ought to be able to generate some quality targets for Jones, giving him WR3 value once again.
