In a season filled with breakout rookie performances, one young star is redefining what’s possible at the tight end position. Las Vegas Raiders’ first-year phenom Brock Bowers is not just impressing – he’s shattering long-standing NFL records game after game. For fantasy football managers, Bowers has emerged as a league-winning draft pick in a landscape starved for reliable tight end production.
Making History in Miami
Bowers’ Week 11 performance against the Miami Dolphins was one for the ages. The rookie hauled in a jaw-dropping 13 receptions on 16 targets, racking up 31.3 PPR fantasy points. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, those 13 catches are the most ever by a rookie tight end in a single game. He joins Jeremy Shockey as the only rookie TE with multiple games of 10+ receptions.
“What Brock is doing as a rookie is just unheard of at that position,” an AFC scout told us. “He’s a matchup nightmare with his size and speed. Defensive coordinators haven’t figured out how to handle him.”
Bowers Thriving as Go-To Target
With the departure of All-Pro wideout Davante Adams in a blockbuster offseason trade, Bowers has rapidly become the Raiders’ top receiving weapon. The rookie has seen 10 or more targets in 4 of his last 6 games, scoring over 15 fantasy points in 5 of those contests. That elite-level volume and production has fantasy managers salivating.
Adding to the allure for fantasy purposes, the Raiders boast the 2nd-most favorable schedule for tight ends going forward according to expert Mike Clay. When the fantasy playoffs arrive, Bowers managers could have a true league-winner on their hands.
Overtaking Kittle for TE1 Status
With this monster Week 11, Bowers has now surpassed superstar George Kittle as the overall TE1 in fantasy scoring on the season. It’s a stunning rise for a first-year player at a notoriously slow-developing position. Bowers is doing it with inconsistent quarterback play as well, highlighting his immense talent.
Looking ahead to 2025 fantasy drafts, it’s impossible not to view Bowers as a locked-in top 3 option at his position. For dynasty formats, he’s the unquestioned TE1 with an incredibly bright future. Keeper league managers should be thrilled to roster Bowers at a value for years to come.
Broncos on Deck for Week 12
Bowers managers get a juicy matchup in Week 12 as the Raiders travel to Denver. In their first meeting this season, Bowers went off for 2 touchdowns. He’ll be a top 3 play at the position this week.
“Bowers is basically matchup-proof at this point, but this is a smash spot,” a Raiders beat reporter told us. “The Broncos have had no answer for elite tight ends all year. I expect Brock to be peppered with targets once again.”
Other Rookie Risers
While he’s the headliner, Bowers isn’t the only rookie making noise in fantasy circles. Bears QB Caleb Williams is showing improvement, putting up his best numbers since Week 7 in Sunday’s tilt with the Packers. His connection with fellow rookie Rome Odunze is also flourishing, as the wideout now has 3 games with 7+ targets and 12+ fantasy points. Both are viable starters with 6 teams on bye next week.
In New England, the Patriots seem to have found their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. The first-year signal-caller has averaged over 16 points per game since taking over in Week 6. With a soft schedule ahead, Maye is trending towards QB1 status down the stretch.
But the story of the 2024 rookie class is undoubtedly Brock Bowers and his assault on the record books. Fantasy managers who invested in the pre-season hype are being richly rewarded now. If Bowers is somehow still available in your league, stop what you’re doing and put in a massive bid. This kind of historic production at a thin position doesn’t come around often. Ride the Bowers breakout all the way to a fantasy title.
While he’s the headliner, Bowers isn’t the only rookie making noise in fantasy circles. Bears QB Caleb Williams is showing improvement, putting up his best numbers since Week 7 in Sunday’s tilt with the Packers. His connection with fellow rookie Rome Odunze is also flourishing, as the wideout now has 3 games with 7+ targets and 12+ fantasy points. Both are viable starters with 6 teams on bye next week.
In New England, the Patriots seem to have found their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. The first-year signal-caller has averaged over 16 points per game since taking over in Week 6. With a soft schedule ahead, Maye is trending towards QB1 status down the stretch.
But the story of the 2024 rookie class is undoubtedly Brock Bowers and his assault on the record books. Fantasy managers who invested in the pre-season hype are being richly rewarded now. If Bowers is somehow still available in your league, stop what you’re doing and put in a massive bid. This kind of historic production at a thin position doesn’t come around often. Ride the Bowers breakout all the way to a fantasy title.
