Who Should I Start? Donald Parham or Brock Bowers

Monday, August 12, 8:26 PM

As things currently stand in training camp, The Athletic's Daniel Popper lists Los Angeles Chargers tight ends Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst and Stone Smartt as the three TEs he thinks will make the final roster. Donald Parham Jr. and Ben Mason have missed significant practice time with injuries, and when Parham has been on the field, he has been working with the second and third teams. His blocking also remains a weakness. Zach Heins and Luke Benson have flashed at times, but they don't seem deserving of a roster spot over one of the other team's receivers. Smartt has improved as a blocker, which is why Popper thinks he'll earn a 53-man roster spot for a run-heavy Greg Roman offense this year. Parham's fantasy value in dynasty/keeper leagues is quickly evaporating, even though he set career-highs in catches (27), yards (285) and touchdowns (four) in 2023.

Monday, October 21, 9:14 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers continues to show he's their best offensive weapon. In his Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams, Bowers caught 10 passes on 14 targets for 93 yards. He's easily their best pass-catcher and chain-mover. He's also an absolute stud in PPR fantasy formats and currently ranks as the TE1 overall. His target volume could remain high even when lead receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) returns, and should be better than it was in the early season with Davante Adams was still a part of the team. Las Vegas will square off with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, but matchups should be ignored when deciding to start or sit Bowers. He must be started.