From 2007-2012, Matt Schaub generally performed well as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. Although Schaub would never be considered a superstar, he was part of the most prosperous era in Houston’s relatively short history, as the team had just one losing season with Schaub at the helm. He also helped fantasy owners along the way, throwing for 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2009. But it all unraveled in 2013, as Schaub turned into the conductor of the Pick Six Symphony and the Texans moved on by orchestrating a trade with Oakland. Can a change in scenery from the Bayou City to the East Bay bring Schaub back to life?
Fantasy Upside
Schaub will no longer have Andre Johnson as an ally, but Oakland has talent out wide with emerging Andre Holmes, steady Rod Streater, and veteran James Jones, an import from the Green Bay Packers. Marcel Reece, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Darren McFadden are all capable receivers out of the backfield. All in all, even if Oakland lacks a superstar, there are worse supporting casts out there. His new home could work wonders for his psyche, as fans in Houston loathed him during his final days with the Texans.
Fantasy Downside
Oakland let their best tackle, Jared Veldheer, leave for Arizona in free agency. That ensures they will likely have a below-average line. The Raiders have a schedule made for a masochist. They play at Seattle, at New England, at St. Louis, and host Arizona and their neighbors from San Francisco. Plus, all three of their AFC West rivals made the playoffs last year. They also have to endure a grueling trip to London to play Miami. With so many daunting teams on the docket, how is the already skittish Schaub going to turn things around? Oakland drafted Derek Carr in the second round and will probably move him into the lineup at some point.
Bottom Line
Essentially, you should view Schaub as the last of last resorts for your fantasy team, even if you are in a mandatory two-quarterback league. He has underwhelmed so far in the preseason and his best days appear to be long gone.