Fantasy football dynasty watch: Brock Bowers on pace to shatter

Eric Moody, ESPNDec 1, 2024, 07:53 PM ET

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Las Vegas rookie tight end Brock Bowers shined like a superstar Friday, even in a losing effort to Kansas City. Drafted No. 13 overall in April, Bowers is not just a bright spot for the Raiders this season — he might be redefining the tight end position.

Bowers’ rare combination of size, power and agility have already led to some George Kittle comparisons. And they’re legit. Bowers hauled in 10 of 14 targets for a career-high 140 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs, racking up an eye-popping 30.2 fantasy points.

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In doing so, he’s now just two receptions shy of Sam LaPorta‘s rookie tight end record for receptions in a season (86).

Since Davante Adams‘ departure, Bowers has scored 10+ points in seven of eight games, with four games of 19+ points. What’s especially impressive is that he’s managed to do this with three different quarterbacks (Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder), none of which are stars.

Through 13 games, Bowers leads all tight ends in receptions, receiving yards and yards after the catch. He’s quickly established himself as a high-end TE1 who gives fantasy managers a competitive edge at a position with few difference makers, and could very well be the first tight end off the board in fantasy drafts next season.

As for the rest of 2024, the Raiders have the third-easiest schedule for tight ends, per Mike Clay’s strength of schedule matrix. A favorable matchup against the Buccaneers defense awaits Bowers and the Raiders in Week 14.

Other rookie notes to know from Week 13

Malik Nabers made history Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys, setting an NFL rookie record with 75 receptions in his first 10 games, surpassing Odell Beckham Jr.’s 71 in 2014, also with the Giants.
Bucky Irving handled 28 touches and racked up 152 yards rushing and 27.5 fantasy points against Carolina — all season-highs from this year’s rookie class.
Ladd McConkey caught 9 of 11 targets for 117 yards against a vulnerable Falcons secondary, his third 100+ yard game — tied for second most by a rookie in Chargers history.
Brian Thomas Jr. finished with a season-high 10 targets and 18.7 fantasy points, his fourth-best performance of the season. He could’ve had an even bigger day but was overthrown on two potential long touchdowns.
Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, could get an opportunity to see some playing time this season. Kirk Cousins has just 17.2 fantasy points during the past three games with six interceptions and four fumbles.