Brock Bowers’ Raiders tenure is centered on a tight-end rotation with Michael Mayer, a hallmark of Chip Kelly’s offenses. Two preseason games showed both on the field with starters in lengthy 12/13 personnel looks, but early game usage suggested Mayer handled more inline and early-down work while Bowers shined on pass plays and third downs. The data hint Bowers won’t hit a full-time 85% snap rate, and Mayer’s presence could cap his targets. The takeaway for fantasy managers: expect around 60% routes for Bowers this year, not an 80–90% lock, and prioritize top-tier tight ends who can survive a rotation.

Rest-of-season projections shift as Mayer’s blocked vs. receiving roles split, especially with 12 personnel as the Raiders lean into two-tight-end sets. After Mayer’s mid-season absence, Bowers surged to lead the league in TE fantasy points, but early usage data and coaching personnel changes temper that ceiling. With Geno Smith’s accuracy and Ashton Jeanty adding run-game depth, Las Vegas signals a more varied offense where Bowers remains elite but not invincible. This nudges rankings: McBride and Kittle gain edge in a crowded TE field, while Bowers sits near the top but outside the guaranteed TE1 tier in some formats.