The Las Vegas Raiders grabbed their first win of the 2024 season in Week 2 with an upset of the Baltimore Ravens. Playing a huge role in the victory was wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Brock Bowers.
Bowers posted a career-best showing in his second NFL game, catching nine balls for 98 yards. Making his day more impressive was the fact that some of those catches were in pressure-packed situations.
The only pass-catcher to outdo Bowers was Adams, who led the way with 110 yards on nine receptions, while also finding pay dirt. For anyone who still doubts that Adams is playing at a high level, turn on the tape and you'll see he is.
You can probably already guess what to do with Adams and Bowers in fantasy football ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, but we're diving into some start or sit advice anyway.
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Brock Bowers
On top of his impressive production, Bowers has been getting absolutely slammed with targets. He's seen eight and nine in his first two games and is currently ranked second on the team in that category. He's also first in receptions (15) and second in receiving yards (156).
With a combination of volume and production, Bowers' hot start to the season is no fluke and he's going to continue to be heavily involved in the offense. He's a must-start TE1 until further notice.
As if Bowers' situation wasn't attractive enough, the Panthers are ceding the second-most fantasy points per contest to tight ends. I think this is the week Bowers not only breaks the century mark, but finds the end zone, also.
Verdict: Start 'Em
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Davante Adams
There was plenty of talk during the offseason about Adams potentially being on the decline, but he completely blew that up in Week 2. It was also abundantly clear that Gardner Minshew is good enough to keep Adams in the upper echelon of fantasy wideouts.
The Panthers actually haven't fared terribly against opposing wide receivers, giving up the 14th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position, but that's mostly because teams are running all over them.
The only concern here is the Raiders may lean on the run more, and grabbing an early lead will force them to do that even more. However, the Panthers have a better chance at keeping this game close with Andy Dalton under center.
Regardless of the situation, Adams is the same elite wide receiver he's always been and he should be in lineups without a second thought each and every week.
Verdict: Start 'Em
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