Week 7 at Jacksonville
With Cooper’s production on the rise, Michael Crabtree’s target market share seems to be going the other way. Crabtree is coming off a 2-10-0 line on 4 targets in a 10-26 loss against the Chiefs in Week 7. In an above-average matchup against the Jaguars this week, Crabtree will face Prince Amukamara on the majority of his snaps and is a low-end WR2 in Week 7.
Week 6 vs. Kansas City
Michael Crabtree is coming off a 3-47-1 line on five targets in a 34-31 win against the Chargers in Week 5. In a career resurgence, Crabtree finished 11th in the NFL in total targets (146), 18th in target share (24.3%) and 11th in total touchdowns (9) in 2015. Crabtree also led the team in red zone targets (13). In an average matchup against the Chiefs, Crabtree could run most of his routes against Marcus Peters, a very tough matchup. Crabtree is a low-end WR2 in Week 6.
Week 5 vs. San Diego
Michael Crabtree is coming off a 7-88-3 line on 12 targets in a win against the Ravens in Week 4. In a career resurgence, Crabtree finished 11th in the NFL in total targets (146), 18th in target share (24.3%), and 11th in total touchdowns (nine) in 2015. Crabtree also led the team in red zone targets (13). In an average matchup against the Chargers, Crabtree once again has had a larger target share 24.34%-23.03% than Amari Cooper through four games. His red zone target share (18.8%) is still dwarfed by Seth Roberts (31.3%), but it was Crabtree who scored three touchdowns in Week 4 against the Ravens. He is a fine play against Brandon Flowers this week.
Week 4 at Baltimore
Michael Crabtree is coming off a 8-102 line on 11 targets in Week 3. In a career resurgence, Crabtree finished 11th in the NFL in total targets (146), 18th in target share (24.3%), and 11th in total touchdowns (9) in 2015. Crabtree also led the team in red zone targets (13). He'll line up primarily against cornerback Jimmy Smith in Week 4, which is a matchup that Crabtree has the potential to win. Crabtree has topped 80 yards twice in the last three games and is also a road underdog in Week 4.
Week 3 at Tennessee
Michael Crabtree is coming off a 4-31-1 line on 5 targets in a 28-35 loss against the Falcons in Week 2. In a career resurgence, Crabtree finished 11th in the NFL in total targets (146), 18th in target share (24.3%), and 11th in total touchdowns (9) in 2015. Crabtree also led the team in red zone targets (13). In an average matchup against the Titans, Cooper should spend most of his time lined up against Parrish Cox, which is a fantastic matchup. That said, he has topped 70 receiving yards just once in the last ten contests and is a road underdog in Week 3.
Week 2 vs. Atlanta
Michael Crabtree is coming off of a massive 7-87 line on 9 targets in a 35-34 win against the Saints in Week 1. He converted a two-point conversion with the game on the line for the Raiders where he made a fantastic adjustment to the ball in the air. In a career resurgence, Crabtree finished 11th in the NFL in total targets (146), 18th in target share (24.3%), and 11th in total touchdowns (9) in 2015. Crabtree also led the team in red zone targets (13). In a tough matchup against the Falcons (who are one of the strongest teams in the league in regards to WR aFPA), Crabtree should spend most of his time lined up against Robert Alford, which is a matchup he can definitely win. That said, he is a low-end WR2 in Week 2.
Week 1 at New Orleans
In a career resurgence, Crabtree finished 11th in the NFL in total targets (146), 18th in target share (24.3 percent), and 11th in total touchdowns (nine) in 2015. Crabtree also led the team in red zone targets (13). In a great matchup against the Saints (who are one of our lowest ranked teams in WR aFPA), Crabtree will be a low end WR2, high end WR3.
Fantasy Upside
Michael Crabtree revitalized his career in 2015 after signing in Oakland without too much interest in elsewhere in free agency. He made the most of his “prove-it” deal and outperformed the fourth overall pick Amari Cooper for most of the season especially in the red zone. Crabtree averaged 5.3 catches for 57.6 yards and 0.56 touchdowns per game last season where he finished as the PPR WR17, two spots ahead of Cooper.
Fantasy Downside
Cooper was injured down the stretch and that lead to more targets for Crabtree. Going forward, the Raiders will be a much better team in 2016 and will likely lean heavily on the run game under Jack Del Rio. Improvements on both the offensive line and the defense should keep games closer and at times even negatively effect members of the passing game who lived off of garbage time volume in 2015.
2016 Bottom Line
Crabtree could see a dip in targets after his 146 from last year but even so, he is a value at his current sixth round ADP. His involvement in the red zone and chemistry with Derek Carr have proved invaluable as Crabtree averaged over half a touchdown per game last season.
Week 17 at Kansas City
Although his numbers have dropped over the second half of the season, Michael Crabtree was efficient for fantasy owners in Week 16, catching six passes for 39 yards and a key touchdown as Oakland beat San Diego in overtime. Crabtree was targeted more than any other Raider receiver.
When the Raiders squared off with the Chiefs back in Week 13, Michael caught five passes for 45 yards and a score. The declining stat lines are a concern, but with 82 receptions and eight touchdowns overall, Crabtree still offers more stability than most. Owners should continue to use him as a WR3.
Week 16 vs San Diego
After catching four passes for 19 yards in Week 14 against Denver, Michael Crabtree was able to rebound in Week 15, although a gigantic game eluded him despite the fact he led Oakland in targets. Crabtree posted six receptions for 70 yards.
When Oakland played San Diego earlier this year, Michael hauled in six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. Due to the presence of Amari Cooper, Crabtree does not have a lot of upside, but he has generally been a steady player all season. If you are playing in your league’s Super Bowl this week, Crabtree can be viewed as a dependable WR3.
