Sebastian Janikowski 2014 Season Outlook
After a banner 2012 season when he converted over 90 percent of his field goal attempts, Sebastian Janikowski had a disastrous 2013 campaign. His accuracy rate plunged to 70 percent. Even worse, more of his misses came from within 30-49 yards than beyond 50. In the end, few owners were impacted by Janikowski’s bout of incompetence, as the Oakland offense was not strong enough to make him a serious fantasy option. Can both the Raiders and Seabass improve in 2014?
2014 Upside
Despite his down year, the Raiders still believe in Janikowski. He has been the one constant in Oakland for over a decade, and it is possible Oakland’s offense may show some growth if imported veterans Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, and James Jones can make a difference. Speaking of veterans, on defense the Raiders have added Justin Tuck, Antonio Smith, LaMarr Woodley, Tarell Brown, and Carlos Rogers to join old pro Charles Woodson. With rookie linebacker Khalil Mack potentially adding star power to the modern day version of the Over the Hill Gang, maybe the Raiders can evolve into a team that relies on their defense and a ball-control offense, provided Schaub can cure the turnover bug that bit him often last year in Houston. Those types of teams often settle for field goals in low-scoring brawls as opposed to getting into high-scoring shootouts.
2014 Downside
Oakland’s schedule is enough to make anyone cringe. For starters, all three of their AFC West rivals made the playoffs last season. While San Diego and Denver were not defensive powerhouses, each squad has upgraded their personnel on that side of the ball. However, while we are on the subject of defensive powerhouses, the Raiders will play Seattle, St. Louis, Arizona, and San Francisco, plus New England, which added Darrelle Revis. With so many daunting matchups, Schaub may not be able to get on track. If the Raiders have to turn to rookie Derek Carr, there will be growing pains. And there will probably be plenty of pain regardless.
Bottom Line
Once again, Oakland looks like one of the weakest teams in the NFL. While Janikowski may rebound from last year’s debacle, fantasy owners are advised to watch that rebound from a distance. He has no place on your squad.
