Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darren Waller caught five of seven targets for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs before the bye last week. Waller is averaging 9.4 targets per game and has been the most consistent target by far in the Raiders’ passing game. Waller has two touchdowns this season, compared to three all of last year, and is on pace for 108.8 receptions and 944 yards, which would be comparable to his breakout season last year – more catches, fewer yards. Waller is earning his draft stock and will remain in the upper echelon of tight end rankings.
This week, Waller faces a Buccaneers defense that ranks 10th in aFPA to opposing tight ends this year. It’s a tough matchup for the Raiders’ offense in general, but Waller has been so productive and gets so many targets, he’s a must-start regardless of the defense he’s facing. We have him ranked inside our top-five this week, and fantasy owners should leave him active every week he’s healthy.