It was just two years ago that James Jones was scoring touchdowns almost as often as commercials featuring twins Chris and Cliff Paul air during a nationally-televised NBA game. He finished that magical season in Green Bay with 14 trips to the end zone. Ultimately, it was a fluke, as it has been the only season in his career where he finished with double-digit touchdowns, but it provided hints Jones is capable of bigger things. After all, he was never the number one receiver in Green Bay during his seven seasons in Wisconsin. Now, he may emerge as the main target in Oakland. Can Jones take it to the next level?
Fantasy Upside
Jones is the most proven commodity among Oakland’s receivers. Rod Streater has been decent during his first two seasons, but players such as Denarius Moore have been inconsistent. While he is not a superstar, it has been awhile since the Raiders have had a veteran with any kind of track record. That history may earn him more looks in the red zone. Oakland has not had a winning season since 2002 and is not likely to have one this year. Jones can pad his stats when the Raiders have to play catch-up, which will happen a lot. James has always been a long-distance threat, with five career touchdowns over 65 yards.
Fantasy Downside
The downgrade from Aaron Rodgers to Matt Schaub is the equivalent of going from driving a race car at the Indianapolis 500 to going 30-miles-per-hour on a cramped two-lane rural road in Wells, Texas. At some point, rookie Derek Carr is going to take over for Schaub, but it remains to be seen if he will have a productive rookie season, especially with Oakland having a miserable schedule. Jones did most of his damage in Green Bay because the Packers had other weapons such as Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. Opponents will now make Jones a stronger part of their focus. Streater has a legitimate shot at being targeted more, as he is fairly well-regarded as a possession receiver. Oakland will try to run far more often than they pass with veterans Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden in the backfield.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, someone else in your league will take Jones based on his name recognition, giving you the chance to take someone more useful. In light of his now-terrible situation, James is not worth a roster spot outside of really deep leagues.
