Raiders’ latest RB plans create fantasy football nightmare

The Las Vegas Raiders have created a major headache for fantasy football managers with their latest plans for the running back position. Head coach Klint Kubiak said the team’s backfield workload will be based on “who’s playing the best ball at the time,” creating significant uncertainty for anyone rostering Ashton Jeanty, Mike Washington Jr., or both.Raiders to determine RB work by "who’s playing the best ball at the time." https://t.co/XOx4gImNfJ— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 3, 2026That uncertainty could make the Raiders’ backfield one of the most difficult situations to navigate from week to week.MORE:NFL power rankings entering Week 9: All 32 teams ranked worst to firstAshton Jeanty and Mike Washington become difficult startsMay 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) speaks during a news conference during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Washington received a massive workload in Week 8, carrying the ball 25 times for 83 yards while Jeanty had just two rushing attempts. Jeanty remained involved as a receiver, catching three passes for 64 yards, but the drastic difference in rushing opportunities showed just how quickly the Raiders can change their approach.Now, fantasy managers have to wonder whether Washington will continue receiving the majority of the carries or whether Jeanty will reclaim a larger role in the next game.Kubiak’s comments make it clear that there is no guarantee either player will consistently receive the workload fantasy managers want. The Raiders are evaluating the players based on how they perform at the time, meaning the backfield could shift depending on the situation.MORE:NFL contenders & pretenders after Week 8Fantasy managers are left guessing every weekOct 25, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) rushes the ball against the Los Angeles Rams sin the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)This creates a nightmare for anyone who has Jeanty or Washington on their fantasy roster. If both players are rostered, there is no easy way to know which one should be started each week.One could receive the majority of the touches and produce a huge fantasy performance, while the other could see limited opportunities and deliver a disappointing result. The same problem exists for managers who roster only one of the two backs.Having Jeanty on a fantasy roster does not guarantee enough rushing volume, while Washington’s massive Week 8 workload does not guarantee that he will receive the same opportunity the following week.The Raiders’ backfield has essentially become a week-to-week guessing game. Until there is more consistency in how the touches are distributed, fantasy managers may have a difficult time trusting either player as a reliable starter.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —