Brock Bowers Set for TE1 Fantasy Comeback With Raiders 2026

Rookie Season That Defined a Star

In his rookie campaign of 2024, Brock Bowers emerged as the top tight end in fantasy scoring. He posted a Half‑PPR total of 206.7 points, catching 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games. That production earned him consensus TE1 status entering the 2025 draft.

Injury‑Plagued Year That Turned a Promise Into a Bust

The next season injuries limited Bowers to just 12 contests, yet he still managed to set a career‑high with seven receiving scores. He hauled in 64 catches for 680 yards, a steep drop from the 112 receptions he had as a rookie. The downturn left many fantasy managers feeling they had over‑paid for a player who under‑delivered.

Why Analysts Back Bowers for a 2026 Resurgence

Matt Harmon and Justin Boone recently discussed Bowers on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, citing several reasons for optimism. Boone believes the Raiders could still run a high‑octane passing attack even if the overall roster is weak. He sees Bowers as a solid second‑round pick in Half‑PPR leagues and even envisions him being selected early in the second round under Full‑PPR formats.

Raiders’ Pass Game Role Under New OC Klint Kubiak

Las Vegas made little headway in bolstering its receiving corps, adding only Jalen Nailor as a notable target. With Klint Kubiak now calling offensive plays, Bowers is expected to remain the “de facto No. 1 receiver” for the Raiders. The offense’s reliance on a tight end to stretch the field could play directly into Bowers’ skill set.

Draft Value by Scoring Format

Boone’s assessment hinges on the scoring format you use. For Half‑PPR, Bowers lands comfortably in the second round, while Full‑PPR drafts can push him into the early second round. The reasoning reflects his ability to generate yardage and touchdowns even when the surrounding offense is projected as one of the league’s worst.

Key Numbers to Remember

• Rookie 2024: 112 rec, 1,194 yd, 5 TD, 206.7 Half‑PPR points (TE1 overall)
• 2025 (injured): 64 rec, 680 yd, 7 TD in 12 games
• Projected 2026 role: Raiders’ primary receiving option, likely top‑tight‑end in fantasy

The combination of Bowers’ health, a modest receiving corps around him, and the analysts’ confidence makes him a compelling TE1 target for 2026 fantasy drafts. His past elite season shows what’s possible when the rookie hit his stride, and the current offseason narrative suggests the Raiders will lean heavily on his production again.