Raiders Tight Ends Lead NFL in Surprising Offensive Ranking

The Las Vegas Raiders have endured their share of offensive struggles this season, but one position group has emerged as a clear strength.

Las Vegas leads the NFL in combined fantasy production from tight ends through six weeks of the season, according to FF Today's 2026 position rankings.

Raiders tight ends have combined for 131.2 fantasy points under the site's half-PPR scoring system, averaging 21.9 per game. Arizona ranks second with 119.5 points, followed by the New York Giants with 101.3.

The ranking reflects the contributions of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, who have provided head coach Klint Kubiak with two productive options at a position central to his offensive system.

Bowers has made a significant impact since returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for the beginning of the season.

The former first-round pick recorded 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown against New Orleans in Week 3, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

He followed that performance with six receptions for 86 yards and a score against Kansas City.

Bowers added eight catches for 110 yards and another touchdown against New England before recording four receptions for 70 yards against Buffalo.

Those performances have reinforced Bowers' standing among the league's most dangerous receiving tight ends.

Mayer, meanwhile, has provided valuable production and depth.

He recorded a career-high 95 receiving yards on seven catches against Buffalo, giving Las Vegas another productive target when the Bills focused their coverage on Bowers.

The Raiders demonstrated their confidence in the former Notre Dame standout by signing him to a multiyear contract extension in September.

The agreement reportedly carries a three-year, $45 million value, including $30 million guaranteed.

Mayer's role became particularly important when Bowers missed the beginning of the season with a knee injury.

Their complementary skills have given Kubiak additional flexibility on offense.

During training camp, Raiders tight ends coach Luke Steckel praised both players for their versatility.

"I don't think Mike gets enough credit as a receiver, and I don't think Brock gets enough credit as a blocker," Steckel told The Associated Press.

Kubiak has used the two tight ends in different alignments to create favorable matchups and make it more difficult for defenses to concentrate on Bowers.

The Raiders' ranking does not mean their offense has been among the NFL's best overall.

However, it underscores the value of a position group that has remained productive despite changes elsewhere in the lineup.

With Bowers healthy and Mayer under contract beyond this season, Las Vegas has a foundation at tight end that could remain a major part of Kubiak's offense moving forward.