Jalen Richard (RB, OAK) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team PPR Leagues

OWNED IN: 20% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: It would require a separate column to properly list the rising number of deficiencies that now exist on a Raiders roster that is actively depleting its talent. However, the Raiders' growing issues on offense will be exacerbated by the absence of Marshawn Lynch, and the exodus of Amari Cooper.

This will blend with the shortcomings of the team’s 27^th ranked defense to create frequent game scripts that involve Oakland trailing during their upcoming matchups - which should cement Richards' value as a low-end RB2 in PPR leagues. He was seventh among all backs with 37 targets as he entered his Week 6 bye, and was tied for fifth with 31 receptions.

If Martin is unproductive in his expanded role, then Jon Gruden could eventually deploy Richard more extensively on the ground. His ability to generate big plays easily surpasses Martin's, and that could elevate Richard’s already ascending value even further.