The Las Vegas Raiders are determined to bolster their struggling running game, having ranked last in the NFL for rushing yards last season. Key changes are on the horizon as the team seeks veteran leadership, with Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah not meeting expectations. The Raiders are eyeing Najee Harris from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first four seasons. While concerns about Harris's durability exist, his ability to fit into a run-centric offense under new head coach Pete Carroll makes him a strong candidate. The challenge remains whether the Steelers would part ways with such a valuable asset.

The Las Vegas Raiders, once led by Josh Jacobs, are now facing a dire rushing crisis. After finishing the previous season with a disappointing rushing record, they have sunk to the bottom of the league this year. Blame has been placed on their current running backs like Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah, yet the root of the problem precedes their arrival. The Raiders' failure to establish a formidable ground game has hindered their quarterbacks' effectiveness, echoing issues seen in their quarterback carousel over the past seasons.

Looking ahead, the Raiders must take a hard look at their draft strategy. Holding the sixth overall pick, they face a critical decision between selecting a quarterback from a weak class or a potential game-changing running back. Given their history and current standing, the latter may be the wiser choice. Strengthening their rushing attack could alleviate pressure from their quarterbacks and improve overall offensive productivity.

After the departure of Josh Jacobs, the Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2024 season in search of a new running back. Their initial hope for Zamir White didn't pan out, as he fell short of expectations, while Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison provided only moderate support. Despite some promising moments from Sincere McCormick, the team recognizes the need for a more reliable option. One potential candidate is Najee Harris, whose contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is set to expire soon. Harris has been linked to the Raiders multiple times due to his impressive performance in previous seasons, but his relatively low average yards per carry raises questions about his fit. With ample cap space, the Raiders may weigh their options and consider addressing their running back needs through free agency or the draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders struggled significantly in their rushing attack during the 2024 season, ranking last in the NFL with an average of just 79.8 yards per game. Following the season, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was dismissed due to his inability to develop an effective ground game, a stark contrast to his successful stint with the Chicago Bears. Analyst and former Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew criticized the team's leading rusher, Alexander Mattison, placing him last in the league. Mattison, who took over after Josh Jacobs' departure, only managed to rush for 420 yards, leaving him 53rd among all running backs. Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick outperformed him, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

The Raiders aimed to revamp their running back lineup as both Mattison and Abdullah are set to hit free agency, creating uncertainty about their returns. This overhaul is crucial for the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season, especially after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

The 2024 NFL regular season's closing week has arrived, prompting fantasy football enthusiasts to adjust their lineups with the latest FLEX rankings. Key players like Jalen McMillan, Adam Thielen, and J.K. Dobbins are highlighted as critical options for Week 18. The rankings, compiled by Nick Mariano, also include injury updates that could impact player availability and performance.

Among notable injury news, Michael Carter is expected to take on a lead role, while Alvin Kamara and Ameer Abdullah are doubtful or ruled out. Adam Thielen, coming off a strong performance, is positioned as a reliable WR2 for the Carolina Panthers against the Falcons, who struggle against wide receivers. Meanwhile, Zay Flowers aims to maintain his Pro Bowl momentum against the Browns, and J.K. Dobbins presents a high-risk option depending on the Chargers' playoff scenario.