No

I think they'll ease him into it at the beginning of the season. Obviously, training camp will tell us a lot about how they will use him and how he's looking. He's sitting at third on the depth chart now behind Justin Fargas (starter) and Michael Bush. He's definitely a high-risk, high-reward type guy and I can see him having an AP in '07 kind of season but I don't think he's as good as AP and he'll be in a poorer position with the Raiders team-wise vs. the vikes.
- Freddie Footballer

re:

They have a very inexperienced coach and an owner enamored with speed. If Jordan goes down for more than 5 weeks, expect McFadden to be sorely overworked, but still be productive. Draft him during the 6th-8th if Jordan is guaranteed the starting spot and draft him 4th-6th if McFadden is given the starting spot or if there's controversy. __________ LB23

Confusing Spot for McFadden

McFadden will see some time, but his going to the Raiders was a huge hit for his fantasy value -- at least for the moment. With Fargas potentially slotted as the starter and assuming LaMont Jordan is let go soon, I see Michael Bush and Darren McFadden competing for that additional time on the field. McFadden will probably see the field in a certain scheme of plays where he can be AP-ish and show his speed, but he will have a hard time making a mark. I think the Raiders should try now to work out a trade where they can get rid of some of their confusing backfield situation and get some young or seasoned WR talent to help JaMarcus Russell out. There is no sure thing out there for the Raiders catching balls right now, and that is what they really need. jacob of FantasyFootballFools.com

re:

If Fargas is the starting back, expect him to lose the job by week 5 to McFadden. If he doesn't lose it by then, expect a RB by committee system. __________ LB23

need more WRs

The Raiders should trade Lamont Jordan or Justin Fargas for another WR for Russell.

LOL @ the Jets

All I know is the Jets end up losers in all of this. They didn't get a decent QB or RB at all and traded down for a TE who they probably could have gotten with their original second round pick anyways.

Minnesota in Oakland?

Is it possible for McFadden to take the starting role a la AP in Minnesota last year? It's possible. Fargas will be pushed, and he's the starter for now, but McFadden has the potential to be more than the change of pace guy. I predict an injury for Fargas early in the season and it'll be the McFadden/Bush show. Al Davis isn't going to just let McFadden sit given all the duckets he'll be making.
- Freddie Footballer

d-mac

he is going to make some big plays like bush is capable of. but as we have seen with bush, he is not going to be a every down back who can get you inside yds. he is not going to get overworked because justin fargas is a solid back who will get his 10-15 carries per game. mcfadden is not as physically imposing as peterson so he will not have that kind of yr

I think he is going to have

I think he is going to have a Steven Jackson like progression as far as carries go. If they were smart, they wouldn't give him too many carries this year because he touched the ball so often and took such a beating in the SEC. Then 2009 would see him as the workhorse.