Raiders WR Michael Crabtree recorded team-highs in targets (8), catches (6), yards (60) and TDs (1) vs. San Diego. Playing through an injured ring finger, Crabtree dropped a pass or 2. But he made 1 of top catches of the week — a toe-tapper in the end zone — for his 8th score of the season. With Amari Cooper struggling, Crabtree will remain an upside WR2 for a Week 16 date vs. the Colts.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper botched a plus spot against the Chiefs on Thursday night. As expected, he didn't see much of CB Marcus Peters. But he still struggled to create separation and was also hurt by an uncharacteristically inaccurate Derek Carr. Cooper hauled in just 5 of 10 targets for 29 yards. He broke free for what could have been a 72-yard TD in the 4th quarter but either lost the ball in the lights or lost his footing and couldn't come down with it. Cooper has now been held under 60 yards in 5 straight games. There'll at least be some bounce-back appeal in Week 15 against a thin Chargers secondary. Cooper torched them for 138 yards and a score back in Week 5.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper (back) is active for tonight's game against the Broncos. He was limited in practice all week, but we’ve heard nothing to suggest that the back will be an issue. Denver is missing CB Aqib Talib, which upgrades Cooper’s matchup.

The Broncos have ruled CB Aqib Talib out for the 2nd straight week with back trouble. His absence didn't help the Chargers' passing game too much last week, but this Sunday features a showdown with Oakland WRs Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Denver's #3 CB, Bradley Roby, would be the #1 or #2 for most other teams, so even losing Talib doesn't significantly downgrade the Broncos secondary. Oakland doesn't have a 3rd receiving capable of pulling serious defensive attention away from the top 2 -- with Cooper the most dynamic threat. Don't alter your fantasy plan for the Oakland wideouts. Check our WR rankings to see just where we value them.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Broncos. He was limited in practice all week, but we've seen nothing to suggest that he's in danger of missing the game or even that he'll be impacted by the back issue. Cooper is safe to keep in fantasy lineups, although he's more of a WR3 vs. the league's best secondary.

The forecast for today's Chiefs-Raiders game calls for a 60% chance of rain with winds of 15-19 mph. "Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph," according to The Weather Channel. That wind is a much bigger concern than the rain. It'll impact both passing games, especially deeps balls. That's a bigger issue for Derek Carr than Alex Smith, who rarely goes deep anyway. We're nudging Carr and his WRs down the Week 6 Rankings.

Raiders QB Derek Carr talked up his improved rapport with WR Amari Cooper. "I'm able to throw the ball a lot earlier," Carr said. "I'm able to trust where he's going to be at. I'm used to seeing his routes run a certain way. Those are the things that take time." Carr enjoyed a strong 2nd season with 3,987 yards and 32 TDs (vs. 13 INTs). Cooper, only 22, oozes upside after posting a rookie line of 72-1,070-6. Both guys have top 10 fantasy upside at their respective positions.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper (foot) will not need offseason surgery. “My body is definitely not fresh,” the rookie said. “I have a couple of nicks and bruises that I need to get fixed in the offseason, but everything will heal up and I’ll be just fine.” Cooper also admitted that his foot injury – suffered in early December – was “tough” for a WR who “likes to cut.” Still finishing year 1 with a 72-1,070-6 line, the arrow is pointing straight up for the 21-year-old.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper (quad) is active for today’s game against the Vikings. He put in full practices on Thursday and Friday, so the quad shouldn’t be an issue. Keep Cooper locked into fantasy lineups as a solid WR2.

Wind will be a factor in today's Vikings-Raiders game.  The forecast at kickoff calls for 24 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph.  That's enough to bench Ks Blair Walsh and Sebastian Janikowski.  Both passing games get slight downgrades.  Minnesota, especially, figures to go run-heavy with Adrian Peterson.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper (quad) is probable for this weekend's game against the Vikings. He sat out on Wednesday but was a full-go on Thursday and Friday. Keep Cooper locked into fantasy lineups as a solid WR2.

After sitting out on Wednesday, Raiders WR Amari Cooper (quad) returned to a full practice on Thursday.  He'll be good to go for this weekend's game against the Vikings and should remain locked into fantasy lineups.

Raiders WR Amari Cooper was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice with a quad injury.  Insider Scott Bair did spot the rookie on the field at the beginning of practice.  It's unclear if Cooper is in danger of missing this weekend's game against the Vikings.  Check back tomorrow for an update.

Raiders QB Derek Carr (thumb) put in a full practice on Wednesday.  He's obviously on track to play Week 2, although he might be better off sitting in a brutal matchup against the Ravens.  Carr isn't a fantasy option, although his availability makes WR Amari Cooper a slightly better Week 2 play.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport hears that the Raiders got "positive MRI news" on QB Derek Carr's thumb.  It sounds like he's dealing with a bruise and that the amount of swelling will determine whether he can play this weekend.  Carr won't be a fantasy option if he plays against the Ravens, but his availability would be relatively good news for WR Amari Cooper.

Raiders QB Derek Carr didn't hold back any praise when discussing rookie WR Amari Cooper in a Tuesday radio appearance.  “He is ridiculous in and out of his breaks,” Carr said. “His style of play is perfect for this league. He’s good at getting on toes and creating separation. He’s good at when the ball is in his hands making those fast-twitch movements to make a guy go one way so he can take it to the house. It’s just little things that honestly people don’t even notice.”  Cooper is widely considered 1 of the most NFL-ready WRs to enter the league in a while.  He should slot right in as Oakland's #1 WR and produce as a fantasy starter this season.  Cooper will cost ya, though -- his 12-team PPR ADP is sitting in the early 5th round.

Raiders QB Derek Carr (finger) has been cleared to participate in minicamp, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.  "He may not throw at 100%, but he'll be 100% for training camp," Rapoport adds.  We'll continue to keep an eye on the 2nd-year QB, but it doesn't look like that finger will be an issue.  Carr is only worth drafting in best-ball and 2-QB leagues, but his play will be a big factor in WR Amari Cooper's rookie campaign.

The Raiders have released WR James Jones.  The 31-year-old led the team in targets (111), catches (73) and TDs (6) last year.  But he averaged an ugly 9.1 yards per catch.  With the additions of WRs Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, Jones would have been no better than 3rd on the 2015 depth chart.  His release saves the Raiders $3.4 million against the cap.  Rod Streater is the favorite to serve as the #3 WR this season, with Andre Holmes also in the mix.

The Raiders snagged Alabama WR Amari Cooper with the 4^th overall pick. One of the most polished receivers to enter the league in a while, Cooper has drawn comparisons from Marvin Harrison to Torry Holt. He’s a polished route runner with reliable hands. From a size/athleticism perspective, he’s right on par with Sammy Watkins – 6’1, 211 pounds with 4.42 speed. And there’s no questioning Cooper’s college production. He busted out for 59 catches, 1,000 yards and 11 scores as a freshman and exploded for a 124-1,727-16 line as a junior this past year in the best conference in the land. Cooper is a good bet to lead the Raiders in targets and produce fantasy-starter numbers in 2015. Longer term, he has clear WR1 potential. Cooper should be a top-3 pick in dynasty rookie drafts.