Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or Brock Bowers

Saturday, October 4, 2:05 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has taken a major step back after his bounce-back campaign in 2024. Through four games, Gesicki has just six receptions for 46 yards and has been on the field for only 44% of Cincinnati's snaps, trailing Drew Sample (53%) and sharing time with Noah Fant (37%). His highest usage came in Week 4 at 62%, but that was primarily due to Fant missing the game with a concussion. With Fant set to return in Week 5, Gesicki's role should shrink again. The matchup isn't favorable either, as the Bengals face the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the tenth-fewest receptions to tight ends this season. Add in the Bengals' offensive line's struggles, and the Bengals' passing game remains limited without Joe Burrow. Gesicki doesn't hold enough volume or upside to be trusted in fantasy.

Saturday, October 4, 4:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is trending toward missing Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The star tight end is currently listed as questionable after missing his last two practice sessions. Rapoport notes that head coach Pete Carroll previously expressed optimism about Bowers' status, but his knee has not responded well, and he's trending in the wrong direction. Fantasy managers will get confirmation on his status at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday. If Bowers is active, managers should start him in all leagues. If he doesn't play, managers can pivot to one of the top streamers on RotoBaller's Week 5 tight end rankings. Bowers' backup, Michael Mayer, could be a solid mid-to-high TE2 option.