Team Defense/IDP

After only registering 13 sacks in 2018, the Raiders had 32 sacks last year. Rookie Maxx Crosby led the way with 10 sacks and four forced fumbles. But the secondary was not good, and the Raiders had just nine interceptions.

The Raiders added needed reinforcements to all three levels of their defense via free agency or the draft. First-round pick corner Damon Arnette was notable, as was the additions of linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski in free agency. Still, divisional matchups against the Chiefs, Chargers and Broncos don’t look ideal right off the bat. The schedule also includes high-powered offenses in the NFC South (Saints, Buccaneers, Falcons). The Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns are likely to be tough too.

That’s 12 games where it looks like it’ll be hard to start the Raiders’ defense. The remaining four (Panthers, Patriots, Jets and Dolphins) could go either way.

The way to go with the Raiders’ defense in fantasy this year is IDP. Crosby (DL), Littleton (LB), Kwiatkoski (LB) and a now-healthy Johnathan Abram (DB) are atop the heap there. A deeper look shows Lamarcus Joyner (DB), Erik Harris (DB), Trayvon Mullen (DB) and Clelin Ferrell (DL) could possibly be worth consideration in-season.