The Oakland Raiders knew that the talent was there for running back Latavius Murray, but it was still a risky move to anoint him the starter after just 82 career carries. Granted, those carries were impressive - Murray averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season - but it was still a bit of an unknown.
But through the first two weeks of the regular season, that gamble appears to be paying off. Murray has carried the ball 26 times for 109 yards (4.2) with one touchdown. He's also racked up 10 receptions on 10 targets in that time, to the delight of PPR fantasy football owners everywhere. Will the good times keep rolling this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns? ESPN Senior Fantasy Analyst Matthew Berry seems to think so.
"Top 15 in the NFL in offensive touches so far this season, he's a true three-down back, and in today's NFL, that's kind of a big deal," Berry wrote in his weekly Love/Hate fantasy column. "...Also, he's playing Cleveland, the worst rushing defense in the NFL so far, which also has allowed the most rushing yards after contact this season. Mr. Murray currently is ninth in the NFL in rushing yards after contact."
The Browns are surrendering an average of 160 yards per game on the ground and have allowed two rushing touchdowns so far. The Raiders are coming off an impressive fourth-quarter victory over the Baltimore Ravens and will try to once again control the clock in this one. That bodes well for Murray owners, as his involved role in the offense appears cemented.
Happy hunting, fantasy owners.
