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Kacey Kasem examines the rise of Brock Bowers and Tucker Kraft, two top-10 fantasy football tight ends after five weeks in 2024. Can they carry fantasy teams to titles?
This season, two rising stars in fantasy football are Brock Bowers and Tucker Kraft. Bowers is the TE1 in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, while Kraft is not far behind at TE3. Both young tight ends have capitalized on their shots, quickly becoming trustworthy options for their teams.
But can they maintain their top-3 status for the entire season? I looked back at tight-end trends from 2016 to 2023 to see how many early season leaders managed to stay in the top three by the season's end. What was the biggest reason a player dropped out of the top spots?
So do Bowers and Kraft have the staying power? Find out as we examine these two youthful powerhouses. When you finish, visit the Week 6 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings for Half-PPR to keep your roster in tip-top shape.
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Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers is quickly establishing himself as a standout tight end in the NFL. In Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, he set a season-high with 12 targets, securing eight catches for 97 yards.
The rookie's first NFL touchdown, a spectacular 57-yard reception, showcases the explosive talent that made him a first-round draft pick.
Bowers ranks as the TE1 for the season with impressive PPR scores of 11.80 in Week 1, 18.8 in Week 2, and an incredible 23.70 in Week 5.
BROCK BOWERS IS THAT GUY.pic.twitter.com/gYp841F2FC
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) October 6, 2024
This consistency and increasing role in the Las Vegas Raiders offense indicates that he is just getting started. The Georgia product is primed to be a fundamental asset for fantasy managers chasing championships as he continues to adjust to the NFL.
The Raiders have a strong history of effectively utilizing tight ends, giving Bowers an edge. Head coach Antonio Pierce has labeled him a "special player," a testament to how much the coaching staff values his contributions. The 21-year-old finds soft spots in defenses, making him a focal point in the passing game.
While the quarterback situation has been rocky, with Gardner Minshew II being benched last week in favor of Aidan O'Connell, Bowers has proven he can thrive regardless of who is under center.
Brock Bowers is currently the best TE in the NFL pic.twitter.com/xdqIP6JM4B
— Chuck Bass (@ChuckFBass) September 15, 2024
Bowers' agility and sharp route running make him a reliable option despite uncertainty. Bowers stands out as a bright spot as the Raiders work through their quarterback challenges.
Looking ahead, the tight end's schedule features several favorable matchups. The SEC Freshman of the Year will face the Kansas City Chiefs twice and the Los Angeles Rams once, both of whom struggle against tight ends.
Bowers could see an uptick in targets with the potential of wide receiver Davante Adams being traded. If Adams departs, Bowers will likely emerge as the top offensive option.
The rookie's ability to make big plays makes him indispensable on any fantasy roster. With talent, opportunity, and strong coaching behind him, the Vegas tight end is set to remain a top-3 tight end.
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers
An essential player for the Green Bay Packers is tight end Tucker Kraft. In the 24-19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, he popped with four catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by an impressive 66-yard score. The former third-round pick's capability to perform in clutch situations has made him an essential asset for the team.
Kraft's timing could not be better, as injuries have impacted the receiving corps. The South Dakota State product has stepped up with wide receiver Christian Watson sidelined and Romeo Doubs serving a one-game suspension.
Before the season, many expected tight end Luke Musgrave to be the focal point of the Packers offense. However, Kraft quickly established himself. He currently ranks fifth among tight ends with 218 receiving yards, showcasing his potential.
Tucker Kraft all the way to the crib!! 🏡
(🎥: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/tXkMcO2Q9x
— theScore (@theScore) October 6, 2024
One of the tight end's standout qualities is his talent for gaining yards after the catch. Last year, he led all tight ends in this category, and this season, he tallied an impressive average of 13.6 yards per reception.
The faith of quarterback Jordan Love plays a crucial role in the 23-year-old's success. As Love develops confidence in him as a target, the young tight end will likely see increased opportunities.
With the Packers defense creating turnovers, Kraft reaps the rewards from improved field positions and scoring chances. Safety Xavier McKinney has been instrumental, racking up five interceptions this year.
Tucker Kraft barrels his way in to the end zone for a Touchdown!#Packers 24 #Rams 13pic.twitter.com/2Iioea7OP7
— New England Sports Scene (@NESportsScene_) October 6, 2024
Kraft's ability to find the end zone indicates his potential to make significant contributions as the season unfolds. As the Packers aim for more wins, Kraft is a player to have on your roster. He is rostered in 66% of Sleeper leagues, so there is a chance you can still pick him up.
With several favorable matchups ahead, he has the potential to finish among the top tight ends in fantasy football. Kraft could be the difference-maker for your fantasy team once the playoffs approach.
Will They Finish In The Top Three?
Bowers is TE1 through five games, and Kraft is TE3 in PPR leagues. When looking at tight-end trends from 2016 to 2023, the numbers show that at least six tight ends who started the season in the top 10 stayed in the top 10 by the season's end. Injury is the most significant reason for dropping out, and it has happened plenty of times.
Take Dallas Goedert, for example. In 2023, he started as TE8 through five weeks but concluded the year as TE14 after missing time. He was TE5 through Week 5 a year earlier and ended up TE12 for similar reasons.
Dawson Knox had a similar trajectory in 2021, falling from TE3 after five weeks to TE11 by the completion of the season. And let's not forget Jesse James, who teased managers by starting the first five weeks of 2016, 2017, and 2018 in the top 10, only to disappear later.
Brock Bowers' first catch goes for the first down!
📺: #LVvsMIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/jPosqvwQsu— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
Bowers and Kraft have shown the consistency and playmaking skills needed to remain top-10 options throughout the year, even if they miss a game or two. The real question is whether they can maintain the level of production required to stay in the top three.
Looking back at last season, Sam LaPorta started as TE1 and finished there, showing that it is possible to sustain that early success. Travis Kelce was TE2 through the first five weeks and ended as TE3. T.J. Hockenson dropped out of the top three after tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 16.
Hockenson was TE4 by the end of the season, but if you remove Week 18, he ranks as TE3. This is worth noting since most fantasy football leagues do not play championship games in Week 18, making Hockenson’s performance suitable for a top tight end.
In 2017, Zach Ertz, Kelce, and Rob Gronkowski all started and finished the season as top-3 tight ends. This trend suggests that if a tight end is in the top three through the early weeks, they often stay there.
Come for Tucker Kraft rumbling on this long touchdown catch-and-carry, but stay for Dontayvion Wicks getting a block to finish the play.
Team sport, that football. pic.twitter.com/VfbA7k2W8p
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) October 7, 2024
In fact, from 2016 to 2023, no season saw all three top tight ends from the first five weeks fall out of the top three by the season’s end. Most players did not fall far, even when injuries or performance drops emerged.
For instance, Evan Engram was TE3 through five weeks in 2019 but finished as TE18 due to injury. However, in 2018, Eric Ebron was TE3 early on and only dropped to TE4. Similarly, Dalton Schultz was TE4 through five weeks in 2021 but moved up to TE3 by the end.
If history is any indicator, at least one of Bowers or Kraft will remain a top-3 option. Even if one falls out of the top 3, the drop might not be significant. Those rostering either player, especially in a format that avoids Week 18 games, should feel confident in their ability to help push for a championship.
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