Michael Crabtree (WR, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: It can be difficult to talk yourself into adding players who are going into their bye week, but that is all the more reason to be aware of Michael Crabtree heading into this next week. Owners might have dropped him after an average showing against Denver (four catches for 54 yards) and with the knowledge that he was on a bye this next week. On the one hand, their game was against Denver and their #1 passing defense, so it’s not the most fair game to judge Crabtree and the Raiders on in general, but there is also the fact that Crabtree still managed to get nine targets. Even though less than half of them translated into receptions, it still paints a healthy picture for his outlook.

The Raiders face the Chargers, Jets, Steelers, Vikings, Lions, Titans, and Chiefs after the bye before another date with Denver, and while the Jets have good cornerbacks, other than that there isn’t much to be afraid of. Not only is there the schedule, but the presence of Amari Cooper tends to benefit Crabtree in the sense that he typically does not have to deal with opponents’ number one cover guy. Crabtree is averaging nearly ten targets per game in a West Coast offense that more often than not is going to find itself throwing the ball late. If Crabtree is out there and you can stomach the bye week, scoop him up.