Derek Carr (QB, OAK) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Perhaps we collectively gave up on Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr too early. Going into this week he had the sixth most passing yards in the NFL. He did that against a tough schedule too, facing the Rams, Broncos, and Dolphins with a healthy Reshad Jones. His yardage hadn’t translated into much fantasy production however, as Carr totaled just 40.3 points in the first three weeks. He came close to that total in Oakland’s overtime win over Cleveland with 33.5 points. Overall Carr was 35-for-58 passing with 437 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. That is a lot of volume, and while Carr might not throw the ball 58 times every game, the Oakland defense is bad enough that he’ll be throwing often. Amari Cooper showed up for this game, and Carr is getting good production from veterans such as Jared Cook, Jordy Nelson, and Marshawn Lynch as well.

Carr has a great matchup in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have allowed 21.7 points per game to opposing quarterbacks thus far, and that includes the first start for both Josh Allen and C.J. Beathard. Carr is probably a sit for Week 6 against Seattle, even though they just lost Earl Thomas. After that it’s a bye week for Carr, and after the bye it’s primarily good matchups. Only Baltimore in Week 12 and Denver in Week 16 could be considered tough pass defenses.