The Raiders are a team with much fantasy upside, but will that upside translate into good statistics in 2008?

QUARTERBACK: JaMarcus Russell will enter the season with a full training camp under his belt, unlike last year after he held out. He could be considered a long-shot sleeper QB2; if you are hoping running an NFL offense clicks for him sometime in October or November. It’s a big if, however — look at other No. 1 overall QB picks for whom it’s never clicked (Alex Smith springs to mind) — so reserve him as a late pick in your draft.

RUNNING BACKS: Classic Raiders: They give Justin Fargas a long-term deal after his best season as a pro, then draft Darren McFadden. This might be a RBBC that actually works, with the pair effectively splitting carries and staying fresh. If so, McFadden is a RB2 on draft day, Fargas a low-end RB3. Don’t reach too high for McFadden, however — even if Fargas’ numbers slip, the rookie won’t put RB1 stats this season. The odd man out is Michael Bush, who isn’t draftworthy.

WIDE RECEIVERS: More classic Raiders: Signing oft-injured Javon Walker and his questionable attitude to a big contract. Unless Russell suddenly explodes for 4,000 yards, don’t take Walker higher than a WR3. He’s not worth the risk. Ronald Curry and Drew Carter are battling for the other starting job — my guess is neither will emerge with significantly better stats than the other and are no more than low-end WR4s to start the season.

TIGHT ENDS: Zach Miller put up decent stats his rookie season and should improve this year, but he’s not quite a TE1 sleeper yet. But he’s a solid TE2 with potential.

KICKER: Sebastian Janikowski only made 71.9 percent of his field-goal attempts last season and finished with 97 points. The Raiders’ offense won’t improve that much to significantly increase his points, and it’s doubtful he’ll get much more accurate. Bottom line: He’s barely a backup fantasy kicker. Avoid.