Why Rod Streater Is a Fantasy Name to Monitor for 2013

Wide receiver Rod Streater was one of the lone bright spots for the Oakland Raiders during Thursday night's 26-13 loss to the Denver Broncos. The wideout caught four passes for 100 yards, and over his last two games has seven receptions for 196 yards and a score.

Though inconsistent at times this season, Streater is showing that he can be a weapon in this league. However, the Raiders are likely to continue giving their more highly-touted targets a chance to prove their worth.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore and tight end Brandon Myers have been targeted the most by Carson Palmer this season, and the Raiders also like to utilize their running backs in the passing game as well. 

Being the fifth option on a bad team is nothing to write home about, but when Streater is able to get the ball in his hands he has shown promise—as evidenced by his three touchdowns and 15.3 yards per reception.

What has helped the wideout see the field more is the fact that the Raiders have been forced to throw the ball a lot—second-most in the entire NFL. However, Oakland should strive for a more balanced attack in 2013, reducing Streater's chances.

Unless Streater makes a leap up the Raiders' depth chart, he can't be considered a viable fantasy option next season. However, Heyward-Bey has failed to live up to his lofty draft status (seventh overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft), and Moore is used primarily to stretch the field.

While Streater certainly has his work cut out for him, gaining momentum to close out the 2012 season would do well for the undrafted wideout.

If the Raiders are in a similar position in 2013—one that fluffs their passing numbers—Streater should be given a hard look late in fantasy drafts given the circumstances surrounding him in Oakland.

 

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy.

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