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Through two weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders haven’t been able to get much going on the ground. They have the fewest rushing yards per game.
However, the Raiders could get their ground attack on track against the Carolina Panthers. Like quarterback Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas’ ball-carriers have an appealing matchup.
The Panthers allow the second-most rushing yards per contest, and they’re without Pro Bowl run-stopping defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who’s out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Moreover, the Panthers are surrendering the second-most fantasy points to running backs, which means multiple tailbacks could have productive outings against this unit.
Though Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce says he wants to feature Zamir White, Alexander Mattison handled both of the team’s goal-line carries last week and scored on one of those rush attempts. Despite White’s bulky frame, Mattison may be the Raiders’ preferred finisher inside the 10-yard line going forward.
Secondly, Mattison is more productive in the passing game than White. The former has hauled in four out of six targets for 43 yards and a touchdown, while the latter has caught five out of six targets for just 16 yards.
White will likely lead the team in carries, but Mattison has scored in both games. As the Raiders’ goal-line running back with notable production as a pass-catcher, he’s a viable option in PPR leagues.
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