Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Let's check in on the Raiders offense as they begin the second half of their season: 19th in total offense, 28th in scoring offense and 24th in rushing offense. The Jon Gruden era is going swimmingly so far. The Raiders also have one of the lowest implied team totals this week against Los Angeles. The receivers aren't seeing nearly enough targets either to provide help to starting lineups. Martavis Bryant has just two targets in two games since Amari Cooper was traded. He's not a viable starter.
Week 9 at San Francisco 49ers (Thursday)
Here's how the targets played out in Oakland's first game without Amari Cooper: Jalen Richard 8, Jared Cook 5, Jordy Nelson 4, Seth Roberts 4, Brandon LaFell 4, Doug Martin 2, Keith Smith 1. Feels like Washington West, huh? Derek Carr, like Alex Smith, did not heavily target his receivers. And Martavis Bryant is still on the outside looking in, only playing 14 percent of snaps last week.
Week 8 vs. Indianapolis Colts
It's hard to know what to expect from the Raiders receivers now in terms of fantasy production with Amari Cooper traded. Martavis Bryant should step in opposite Jordy Nelson in 2WR sets. He's only seen three targets in each of the past two games though, and fantasy owners are wise to take a wait and see approach with this offense that had already played poorly before losing their top RB and WR.
Fantasy Upside
If healthy and eligible, Bryant could push for targets on the outside with only Jordy Nelson to beat out and Amari Cooper reportedly moving more into the slot.
Fantasy Downside
There is speculation that Bryant will face suspension. During training camp, the coaching staff has not mentioned him when talking about the offense. Buyer beware.
2018 Bottom Line
Bryant and the Raiders' receiving group could go a number of different ways this season, but he has the shadow of a suspension hanging over him. If we learn he won't be suspended, he's a worthy flier to take a chance on in the double-digit rounds. Otherwise, you are risking getting zero from that pick.
Divisional Round vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Martavis Bryant will take more of a backseat again this week with the return of Antonio Brown. But he'll be a high-risk, high-reward player as it wouldn't be surprising to see the Steelers take a shot downfield to him once or twice in this game to loosen up the Jaguars defense.
Week 17 vs. Cleveland Browns
Martavis Bryant had 3 receptions for 60 yards last week and should get plenty of work this week, even without Ben Roethlisberger playing sparingly. Bryant is a pure boom-or-bust option this week. If anyone can get deep on the Browns, it's Bryant. He should be useful as a WR3 this week.
Week 16 at Houston Texans
Martavis Bryant caught 4 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown last week. The TD was a 4-yard, one-handed catch that showed him to be more than just a deep threat, though he also had a 39-yard diving catch down the sideline. Houston's secondary has struggled and Antonio Brown won't play this week. Bryant should be a solid WR3 with plenty of upside. Bryant has 18 catches in his past four games.
Week 15 vs. New England Patriots
Martavis Bryant continues to be a fantasy enigma. Without JuJu Smith-Schuster in the lineup and with Ben Roethlisberger throwing for 506 yards, he should have had more than the 6 catches for 33 yards he had in last week's game. Bryant should get plenty of one-on-one coverage this week against a soft New England pass defense. But given his production, using him as anything more than a FLEX play is a stretch.
Week 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Martavis Bryant has had 4 receptions for 40 yards in each of the past two games. The only difference was that he scored in Week 12 and did not last week against Cincinnati. He did draw a pass interference penalty on a deep ball, so the Steelers are still trying to use him deep. Bryant had 3 catches for 48 yards earlier this season against Baltimore. Even with JuJu Smith-Schuster suspended, Bryant probably won't have much more than that.
Week 13 at Cincinnati Bengals
Martavis Bryant had 4 receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown last week with JuJu Smith-Schuster sidelined. Smith-Schuster will be back this week, which means Bryant's value takes a hit. However, he should get enough targets to be useful as a FLEX option this week against a tough Cincinnati pass defense.