Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell has been named the starter despite teammate Bruce Gradkowski returning to health from a shoulder injury. "He's earned the right to do that," Raiders head coach Tom Cable said. "Four out of the last five games are wins. Bruce will be the backup and we'll go from there." Gradkowski hasn't played since Week 5 after leaving early in an eventual win over the San Diego Chargers. Campbell has led Oakland to three consecutive wins against Denver, Seattle and Kansas City. Oakland is currently first in the AFC West, despite having the same record as Kansas City (Oakland currently has the edge in the tiebreaker). Campbell has thrown five touchdowns in those three wins with only one interception.

Fantasy Analysis:

Giving credit where credit is due, Oakland isn't a pushover. They can run the ball with running back Darren McFadden and Campbell is managing games well lately. Then add a much improved rush defense, led by veteran Richard Seymour and this is a much improved team. Are football fans taking them seriously yet? Not necessarily but that can come in time. As for Campbell, he's playing well of late but just like his team, he needs to stay consistent to earn his keep. Oakland has a legit shot at the playoffs this season if they can edge out the Chiefs for the AFC West crown. Campbell is a decent QB2 in deeper leagues but with guys like Michael Vick and Philip Rivers putting up such huge numbers, most guys need more from the QB spot rather than risk starting Campbell. Oakland does have a pretty favorable fantasy playoff schedule against Jacksonville, Denver and Indianapolis from weeks 14 to 16 though.