Fantasy Football Player Notes

Bowers is having an incredible season. As the only part of this offense that looks remotely functional, Bowers has single-handedly carried this offense. This week, we have a huge change, as first-overall-pickFernando Mendoza gets his first start. Even though Kirk Cousins is not what he used to be, he was playing very solid football this year. As a result, throwing a rookie in against the vaunted Seattle defense may lead to a tough day for the superstar TE. One thing is certain; he will see volume. However, against the defense allowing the second-fewest passing yards and only 18 points per game to opposing offenses, this won't be pretty. I hope the Mendozer proves me wrong, but he significantly limits Bowers' ceiling in this matchup. Bowers remains my TE3 behind Kittle and Likely this week; however, this week really could go either way.

Last week, Ashton Jeanty took back the lead back duties with a 66% snap rate, 40% of the rushing work, and a 62.5% route share. Jeanty finished with 11 touches and 20 total yards. The Raiders' offensive line has been a limited factor for Jeanty and this ground game all season. The Raiders' offensive line remains dead last in yards before contact per attempt. Jeanty has managed only 2.18 yards after contact per attempt and a 12% missed tackle rate this season. Jeanty is only a low-end RB2/flex this week. Seattle remains a top-tier run defense. Over their last five games, Seattle has allowed the third-lowest explosive run rate, the third-fewest rushing yards over expectation per attempt, and the eighth-lowest missed tackle rate.

Tre Tucker is the WR28 in fantasy points per game, but he'll take a hit this week with Fernando Mendoza making his first start against an elite pass defense. Tucker has a 17.3% target share with 2.06 YPRR, seven red zone targets, 11 deep targets, and a 22% first-read share. Over their last five games, Seattle has held perimeter receivers to the ninth-fewest yards per target while ranking 18th in fantasy points per opportunity. Tucker is a low-end flex this week.