January 5, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Alexander Mattison rushed for 20 yards on six carries during Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He also caught four of his five targets for an additional 11 yards through the air. It appeared that Mattison was headed for an increased workload on Sunday with
Ameer Abdullah (foot) sidelined, but instead, the Raiders somewhat abandoned the rushing attack. Vegas' running backs combined for just eight carries, and quarterback
Aidan O'Connell added four rushes of his own. Mattison may have salvaged his performance in PPR leagues, but for the most part, his showing on Sunday left a lot to be desired. The 26-year-old will hit free agency in a few months, leaving the Raiders with some combination of
Sincere McCormick,
Zamir White,
Dylan Laube, and
Chris Collier. Las Vegas has numerous holes on both sides of the ball, but don't be surprised if they look to improve their backfield with draft picks, free agency spending, or both.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
January 4, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Alexander Mattison is on track to lead the backfield in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While Mattison had taken a backseat to
Ameer Abdullah (foot) lately, Abdullah has already been ruled out for Sunday's contest, leaving Mattison in line to draw the start. The Raiders' only other healthy running backs are rookies
Dylan Laube and
Chris Collier, who have combined for just four touches throughout the entire 2024 season. We can't rule out Las Vegas giving some extra touches to Laube and Collier so that they can get more film on the rookies, but we still anticipate Mattison getting the bulk of the opportunities out of the backfield. He's facing off against a Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2024, but the seventh-most receptions. Mattison, who is averaging 2.5 catches and 0.4 touchdowns per game, ranks as a low-end RB2 option in fantasy football as he essentially gets the backfield to himself this week.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 29, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Alexander Mattison rushed for just 32 yards on 10 carries during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints. He also caught one of his three targets for six yards through the air. Mattison salvaged his fantasy showing last weekend with a touchdown, but he had no such luck during this week's battle with the Saints. Furthermore, he played second fiddle to
Ameer Abdullah (foot), who was much more productive and efficient with 20 carries, 115 rushing yards, three catches, and 32 receiving yards. In fact, Mattison didn't see a steady workload until Abdullah exited with a foot injury early in the fourth quarter. Las Vegas' backfield has been very unpredictable this season, but if Sunday's game is any indication, Mattison won't be a reliable fantasy option against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
December 28, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Alexander Mattison remains on the fantasy radar given his ability to catch passes and score touchdowns. The 26-year-old had previously been benched in favor of
Sincere McCormick, but after McCormick landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, Mattison returned to his starting job last Sunday. The 26-year-old mustered just 2.3 yards per carry against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he made an impact (especially in PPR leagues) with seven targets, four catches, and 29 receiving yards. He also scored a touchdown. Fantasy managers should be excited to watch Mattison perform against a New Orleans Saints defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. In addition to remaining an impactful touchdown scorer and pass catcher, Mattison could see his ground efficiency improve given that the Saints have allowed a staggering 4.9 yards per carry. He remains a mid-range RB3/FLEX play this Sunday in New Orleans.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
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