The Las Vegas Raiders are set to play in their second divisional game of the season on Sunday, as the team travels to Empower Field at Mile High to take on the Denver Broncos in Week 5. Both teams enter the AFC West showdown with 2-2 records and are coming off one-score victories in Week 4.
Las Vegas will need its passing attack to step up this Sunday, as quarterback Gardner Minshew threw for just 131 passing yards last week. With Davante Adams' career with the Raiders likely over, rookie tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers will serve as the primary pass-catchers.
Bowers and Meyers had disappointing performances in Week 4 against a stout Cleveland Browns secondary. Bowers garnered just three targets and was held to two catches for 19 yards, while Meyers hauled in five receptions for just 49 yards on ten targets.
Life is only going to get tougher for Las Vegas' pass-catching duo, as the Broncos' defense, led by Patrick Surtain, has been one of the best units in football.
With the passing game struggling over the last two weeks and a top-tier defense on the horizon, should Bowers or Meyers be in your lineup this week?
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: Brock Bowers
Bowers had a subpar showing in Week 4, but the 2024 first-round pick is primed for a bounce back this week. Denver lost linebacker Alex Singleton, who was the team's primary coverage linebacker, for the season due to a torn ACL,.
The Broncos' already weak linebacker room is now missing its biggest contributor, which could lead to a massive week for Bowers.
With Adams out of the picture, Bowers must live up to the hype and establish himself as a cornerstone for the Raiders' offense. Sunday will be a nice opportunity for the former Georgia standout to have his most impactful game yet. Bowers is a no brainer to start in your lineup as a TE1 in Week 5.
Verdict: Start' Em
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: Jakobi Meyers
Meyers has been inconsistent to begin the season and is faced with an extremely formidable challenge on Sunday. Patrick Surtain is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and has neutralized many of the league's top receivers to start the campaign, including DK Metcalf, Mike Evans, and Garrett Wilson.
Though Meyers won't be matched up with Surtain on every play, the former Patriot will see the two-time Pro Bowler quite a bit.
Denver's secondary has been elite through four games (third-fewest fantasy points allowed per game to wide receivers) and is an awful matchup for Meyers and other Raiders' receivers, especially with inconsistent quarterback play.
The 27-year-old should be on your bench in Week 5, but could maybe sneak in as a flex if injuries are an issue for you.
Verdict: Sit' Em
