Can the New Orleans Saints (5-10) keep Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) rookie tight end Brock Bowers silent when the two teams square off at Caesars Superdome?
It’s going to be a challenge for sure. Taken with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Georgia product has come as advertised and even better. With 101 receptions for 1,067 yards, Bowers is having the best rookie season of any tight end in NFL history, and he’s not done yet.
The question heading into this Week 18 matchup vs the Saints is can he be stopped from going over 100 yards receiving? Keep in mind Bowers is just 10 yards away from breaking the receiving yards record by a rookie tight end currently held by Mike Ditka. He should shatter that in this game.
As far as containing him, the Saints defense know they are going to have a tough time containing a playmaker like Bowers. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods had this to say about the uniqueness of the young rookie tight end:
"Size, speed. You see him make great catches. He can separate, you see him separate from corners, safeties, whoever's on him. Very good after the catch. I know he's up there ranked in the top 10 in terms of yards after the catch. He's an outstanding tight end and you can see it. I think he's second in the league in terms of receptions."
Las Vegas Raiders vs New Orleans Saints game details: How to watch, betting odds
Date: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Caesars Superdome
TV: FOX | Live Stream: Fubo TV (try for free)
Betting Odds: Raiders -2.5; over/under 37.5 (via DraftKings)
Brock Bowers receiving yards 100+ odds vs. Saints
Brock Bowers over 100 receiving yards in the Week 18 matchup: +220 (Bet $10 to win $28.80).
Key factors:
- When Bowers gets over 10 targets, it usually means good things for the Raiders’ offense. Bowers had a 140-yard receiving performance against the Kansas City Chiefs and was a yard short of 100 yards in the team’s 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bowers caught 11 passes on 13 targets in that game. Expect a similar performance against the Saints.
- In a historic rookie season, Bowers has just those two games with over 100 yards receiving but has come close (90+ yards) in 4 other games. It’s a good bet the rookie tight end is due to go over the 100 yards mark against a Saints team that hasn’t been great defensively.
NFL Mocks news related to Brock Bowers:
- Bowers is among NFL leaders in yards after the catch with 549 yards. If the Saints don’t tackle well, it’s going to be a long day down in the Big Easy.
- The Saints are in the bottom five in the NFL when it comes to passing defense, giving up 240.5 yards a game. Should be a big day for the tight end.
Prediction: It will be a close game, but the Raiders will get a road victory with a 21-17 win over the Saints. Bowers will break two NFL records in this Week 18 matchup. He will secure the receptions yards record by a rookie tight end and leap over Puka Nacua for the rookie record in receptions. Bowers only needs 4 catches to tie the record and 5 yards to break it.