Brock Bowers

Pickett may only be getting a one week audition here, as Carroll said that Geno Smith "will be back" against the Texans in Week 16. Against the Eagles' stellar pass defense, Pickett is best approached as a QB3 in superflex leagues and even an optimistic view can't see him as better than a low-end QB2 with almost nothing around him beyond Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. It's just not an ideal situation, even if he did look decent in relief of Smith in Week 14.

Raiders rookie WR Jack Bech played a season-high 82% of the snaps in Sunday's loss to the Broncos. He also drew a team-high six targets, catching all of them for 50 yards. That set season highs for Bech in each of those categories. TE Brock Bowers followed with a 4-46 receiving line on five targets. WR Tyler Lockett posted a 3-41 on four targets. WR Tre Tucker caught two of five targets for 24 yards.

Bowers continues to make the most of his frustratingly small workloads, frequently producing highlight reel plays. Bowers scored a touchdown on the Raiders' first drive, lining up in the slot and running right past Broncos slot CB Ja'Quan McMillian, who was focused on RB Ashton Jeant's route out of the backfield. Broncos' S Talanoa Hufanga opted not to pursue Bowers as he broke outside on a corner route, leaving Bowers wide open in the end zone. Raiders QB Geno Smith got the ball to him for the score. Bowers later made a juggling, one-handed catch on the play where Smith (right shoulder) was injured on the Raiders' final play of the third quarter. Broncos LB Alex Singleton had Bowers' left arm trapped, but the talented tight end was evidently unbothered, securing the pass with his right hand before trotting out of bounds. Bowers remains an elite TE1 in Week 15 against the Eagles.

Bowers recorded four receptions on five targets for 46 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Broncos.

Smith spent time with the Raiders' training staff, getting abrasions on his right, throwing hand's ring and pinky fingers dealt with in the second half. He successfully returned to the game and marched the offense down the field, into the Broncos' red zone. He was then hit by Broncos DL Zach Allen while throwing a short completion to TE Brock Bowers, landing hard on his right, throwing shoulder. Smith was visibly in pain and was immediately taken to the locker room. He was replaced by backup QB Kenny Pickett, who finished the drive with a turnover on downs. Before exiting, Smith completed 13-of-21 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown and rushed once for four yards.