Week 16 – Latavius Murray vs. Buffalo Bills
The good news is that Latavius Murray continues to lead Oakland’s backfield in touches by a wide margin. The bad news is the Raiders still need to commit to getting Murray more touches. Although Oakland was handily beaten by Kansas City last weekend, the time of possession between the teams was even, suggesting Murray could have easily gotten more than 12 carries. He finished with 76 total yards.
Buffalo’s run defense has been vulnerable lately. Denver’s C.J. Anderson rushed for three touchdowns against the Bills in Week 14. And last weekend, Green Bay’s Eddie Lacy accumulated 110 total yards and scored a touchdown. There is always the risk the Raiders will do something foolish, but Murray remains planted in RB2 territory.
Week 15 – Latavius Murray at Oakland Raiders
It took forever for the Raiders to wake up to the thought of using Latavius Murray as their lead back, but fortunately, they finally did. Murray got 23 carries and rushed for 77 yards in a Week 14 victory over San Francisco. As many remember, Murray dominated the Chiefs earlier in the season. When you combine his high usage level and his past success against Kansas City, he can be inserted into lineups as an RB2.
Week 14 – Latavius Murray vs. San Francisco 49ers
When we last saw Latavius Murray, he was carving up the Kansas City Chiefs to the tune of 112 yards and two touchdowns back in Week 12. Unfortunately, just as Murray was having a game for the ages, he suffered a concussion and ended up missing Week 13. He is slated to return this week, but unfortunately will have to deal with a San Francisco run defense that has given up just six touchdowns and yields less than 100 yards per game. He will also have to deal with a coaching staff that insists on giving playing time to washed-up veterans Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. Nonetheless, Murray has the highest ceiling of any player on the Oakland roster and can be used as a flex, albeit one with a capped upside thanks to the matchup.
Week 13 – Latavius Murray at St. Louis Rams
Latavius Murray is out for this week because of a concussion. If he can return next week, he will have a tough matchup against San Francisco, but still offers the highest upside in the Oakland backfield.
Week 12 – Latavius Murray vs. Kansas City Chiefs
If you have been waiting on Oakland to give Latavius Murray a shot, it appears as though your wait may be over. Unearthed in San Diego on Sunday for a brief tour of duty, Murray rushed for 43 yards on four carries. He also caught three passes for 16 yards. He provided the hope that Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew used to provide. Unfortunately for Murray, there will not be much hope for success against the Chiefs, who amazingly have not allowed a single rushing touchdown all season. Murray is worth a waiver claim in deeper leagues, but give it time before you think about inserting him into your lineup.
Week 6 – Latavius Murray vs. San Diego Chargers
Latavius Murray did not receive a single touch in week four when the Raiders lost to Miami prior to their bye. At some point, maybe the Raiders will wise up and give him a shot, but until that happens, Murray has zero fantasy value.
Week 4 – Latavius Murray vs. Miami Dolphins
With Maurice Jones-Drew out of action the past two weeks, there was speculation about an increased role for Latavius Murray. However, during that span Murray totaled only four carries and did not catch a pass. Jones-Drew could be back on Sunday, which means anyone who gambled on Murray can send him back to the free agent pool.
Week 3 – Latavius Murray at New England Patriots
Anyone who wanted to see what Latavius Murray was all about had their hopes up going into last weekend, as Murray was expected to get a decent workload in the wake of Maurice Jones-Drew’s absence. However, in true Oakland fashion, disappointment was the order of the day as Murray received one carry. Even if Latavius is busier this weekend, he will probably spend most of his day on the sideline. Murray remains nothing more than a curiosity who still needs some breaks to have any chance at making fantasy headlines.
Week 1 – Latavius Murray at New York Jets
With Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden currently healthy, Murray is not going to get many opportunities this week. He is strictly a free agent to keep an eye on.
Selected by Oakland in the sixth round of the 2013 draft, Latavius Murray missed his rookie season due to injury. Now healthy, Murray has been used as a kick returner during the preseason and also seen time in the backfield behind veterans Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFaden. Will Murray’s playing time increase as the season progresses?
Fantasy Upside
Jones-Drew and McFadden have both dealt with injuries in recent seasons (and McFadden has had durability issues throughout his entire career). Murray may be third on the depth chart heading into the season, but things can change rapidly in the NFL. Oakland, which has improved on defense and has a questionable situation at quarterback, will operate a run-oriented scheme.
Fantasy Downside
If the veteran duo of Jones-Drew and McFadden are able to stay somewhat healthy, Murray’s chances will be limited, especially considering the Raiders could shift fullback Marcel Reece to halfback, which they have done in recent seasons. The Raiders are lacking talent in spots along the offensive line and defenses will be crowding the line of scrimmage until Oakland’s passing game shows any signs of competence.
Bottom Line
With many obstacles at the moment, Murray is not worth drafting unless you are in a dynasty league. However, if you are compiling a list of waiver wire prospects for future reference, he should definitely be on it.
