Geno Smith’s Raiders tenure hits a rough spell, as a 40-6 loss to Indianapolis drops Las Vegas to 1-4 and fans wonder if the turnover tide will turn. Smith has more picks than TDs in the last two weeks, with red-zone failures and four sacks in Indy’s win. Injuries to Kolton Miller, Brock Bowers, and Michael Mayer hamstring the offense, while Ashton Jeanty flashed early but must sustain a larger role. The defense saw its sack streak end; fantasy managers should watch for rebounding triggers and emerging Raiders playmakers as a possible buy-low window.

Brock Bowers is questionable for Week 5 with a knee injury (PCL/bone bruise) and has resisted resting, leaving his status a gamble for the Raiders vs. the Patriots. If he sits, Michael Mayer steps in as Vegas’ TE1 and becomes a prime streamer in deeper formats, with Taysom Hill as a secondary TE/utility option. The situation also fuels pivot chatter for dfs lineups and highlights Ravens/Jaguars context and Patriots QB volatility.

Brock Bowers’ knee issue has Raiders fantasy managers bracing for Week 5 against the Colts, with reports trending toward a possible sit. If he’s out, Las Vegas leans on the rest of the TE corps, notably Michael Mayer (concussion) and Albert Okwuegbunam (elevated). Mayer’s status and Okwuegbunam’s role will shape Week 5 and Week 6 outlooks as Las Vegas balances risk and reward with their top playmaker sidelined.

Raiders bring in Albert Okwuegbunam and Carter Runyon as Week 5 contingency plans with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer dealing with knee and concussion issues. Ian Thomas remains the only other active TE. The signings heighten the fantasy upside of the Raiders' tight end group if Mayer and Bowers sit, while Runyon and Okwuegbunam offer immediate depth.