The Las Vegas Raiders have traded WR Davante Adams to the New York Jets. Adams had been the target leader for the Raiders in the games that he played before injuring his hamstring during Week 4 practice. Subsequently, his absence opens the door for other pass catchers to ascend.

WR Jakobi Meyers will be the first beneficiary of targets in the Raiders offense. In Meyers’ first five games of 2023, two played without Adams, Meyers averaged just over 7 targets per game, highest among the Raiders WR corps. Primarily, and excellently, a slot receiver, Meyers will be moved over to supplant Adams’ role as the X, or, outside and in-line receiver…the WR1. Meyers’ best season came in 2023 opposite Adams. He accrued 1028 air yards on 106 targets and a career-high 8 TDs. His ascension should result in similar numbers, rest-of-season.

The other major beneficiary of the target vacuum will be TE Brock Bowers. Bowers, the current PPR TE2, received 12 and 10 targets in the Raiders last two games without Adams. He has outpaced all of the Raiders’ pass catchers thus far and will continue to do so. Having scored just one TD will positively regress and he will finish the season as the TE1, barring injury.

There are other pass catchers who’s roles will increase in the Raiders’ offensive attack. WR Tre Tucker didn’t see much action in Week 6, although he did have 20 targets in the three games prior. Tight ends Harrison Bryant and Michael Mayer, when he returns to the team, will benefit, as will Week 6 surprise Kristian Wilkerson.

Bowers, Meyers, and Tucker should be rostered in all formats, while Bryant, Mayer, Wilkerson, and the rest will remain deep league streaming options.

Brendon Booth | @bigbonededFFB