Las Vegas Raiders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Las Vegas Raiders' first-round tight end Brock Bowers (foot) is off the injury report and ready to make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. After limited participation in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Bowers was a full participant on Friday, confirming his availability for the game. Bowers, selected in the 2024 first round, is expected to be a key target in the Raiders' passing game, including WRs Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, as well as fellow TE Michael Mayer, a 2023 second-round pick. Known for his impressive college career at Georgia, where he had three consecutive seasons with over 50 catches, Bowers is regarded as one of the top tight end prospects to enter the NFL. With a favorable matchup against the Chargers' relatively weaker linebackers, Bowers' ability to read coverages and excel after the catch makes him a strong start for Week 1.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finds himself outside of the starting options at the position in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. This is nothing against Smith who should actually have a bounce-back season with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The matchup is also relatively neutral as the Denver Broncos were middle of the pack against quarterbacks in 2023. However, the position is so deep that you should have better options available. If you are in dire need of a quarterback, or you play in a two-quarterback league, then Smith is a fine option. He should be able to amass 15-20 fantasy points in Week 1.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round tight end Brock Bowers (foot) was once again limited in practice on Thursday leading up to the Week 1 contest on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at Sofi Stadium. The Raiders are just being cautious with their young tight end, as head coach Antonio Pierce has said that he fully expects Bowers to suit up this weekend for his regular-season NFL debut. The 21-year-old from Georgia certainly has a high ceiling at the next level, but he could get off to a slow start with last year's second-rounder, Michael Mayer, also expected to be utilized in this offense. Fantasy managers expecting Bowers to be this year's Sam LaPorta might be very disappointed, but he will still be on the TE1/2 borderline in Week 1 against the Bolts for his yards-after-the-catch prowess with the football in his hands.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White has been the heavy favorite to be the team's starter this season after losing Josh Jacobs in free agency. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said, "You're looking for someone to take the lead," when asked about the possibility of White being the featured running back this season. White was a top-10 running back during the four contests Jacobs missed last year, averaging 21 rushing attempts and nearly 100 yards per game. Some fantasy players were worried that the third-year player wouldn't have a featured role in 2024, given how late he played in some preseason games. However, White is the most likely candidate to be the featured guy in the Las Vegas backfield. The former Georgia star is a low-end RB2 with a safe floor for his Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday in the team's first home game of the season. He is coming off a career year in which he scored 21 total touchdowns and produced 1,187 scrimmage yards on a Dolphins squad that scored the second-most points in the NFL (496). Mostert is again set to lead a committee in the Dolphins' backfield, splitting time with De'Von Achane and perhaps Jaylen Wright and even Jeff Wilson sprinkling in for touches. The 32-year-old back does not have the same kind of miles as other NFL veterans his age, as he has yet to eclipse 700 career carries (674). Additionally, he is still one of the fastest players in the league -- clocking in as the tenth-fastest ball carrier in any game last season at a scorching 21.62 MPH. Jacksonville was tough against the run last year -- allowing the ninth-fewest yards in the NFL -- though they did let up 15 rushing touchdowns -- tied for ninth-most. Expect a good amount of scoring opportunities for the tenth-year back, as the Dolphins have an implied point total of 26 in their first tilt.