Chargers and Raiders Key Tight Ends to Watch in Week 13

The AFC West rivalry runs deep as the playoffs are approaching, and this Week 13 matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders will depend on two triumphant tight ends: Oronde Gadsden II and Brock Bowers. These young men will play at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, November 30th, and it’ll be the first time the Chargers and Raiders meet after their Week Two matchup, when Los Angeles won 20-9. Both men have a big impact on their teams in various ways. Gadsden has quickly become an efficient, dangerous deep threat and a go-to target in the red zone for the Chargers. Meanwhile, Bowers remains a steady, high-volume receiver for the Raiders. He consistently piles up catches and yards each game. 

This game is the final test of how each team plays offense: Which tight end makes the other team change their defense more? The Chargers will use Gadsden to threaten the deep part of the field, forcing the Raiders to keep both safeties back. The Raiders, on the other hand, will use Bowers as their guy to catch short passes, keeping their drives alive. The team that can stop the other team’s main tight end will likely win the most important battle in this division.

Explosive Playmaker: Gadsden

Gadsden stands out because of his game-breaking ability. In just three games, the rookie has surpassed 300 yards and scored two touchdowns, with an average of more than 14 yards per catch. Gadsden is a genuine problem for defenses. His ability to go over the top stretches the field and keeps safeties honest. While he gets fewer targets than Bowers, his impact is bigger thanks to his big plays and touchdowns. Since becoming a full-time starter in Week Six, Gadsden has caught 37 passes on 49 targets for 507 yards and two touchdowns. With a 75.5% catch rate, a low drop rate of 6.1%, and an average of over five yards after the catch, Gadsden’s role in the offense keeps growing, making him a valuable option with a lot of potential every week.

He’s deceptively quick in the open field. That run-after-catch ability is bailing out the offense and helping them sustain drives when the ground game stalls. He’s also showing great chemistry with his quarterback, Justin Herbert. This is key to a tight end’s success in any offense. Gadsden’s route running is improving each week, making him a tougher matchup for defenders. His presence on the field forces linebackers and safeties to stay close, which opens up opportunities for other receivers. As his role expands, Gadsden is proving to be a critical piece in the Chargers’ passing game strategy.

Consistency and Volume: Bowers

Bowers, who joined the Raiders in 2024, is known for being a steady, possession-style tight end who consistently contributes to the offense. Through 11 games this season, he has caught 39 passes out of 55 targets, totaling 455 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His usage is volume-driven, offering fantasy managers a reliable floor with around five to six catches for 60-70 yards each game. A standout moment in Week Nine was when he had an exceptional fixture: recording twelve receptions for 127 yards and three touchdowns. This moment showcased his importance on the Raiders’ roster and how he’s capable of the short and intermediate passing game, especially near the end zone.

In simple terms, Bowers is basically an extra starting receiver, playing over 80% of the snaps. That kind of high usage tells you everything about how the Raiders view him. However, he’s faced many challenges this season. During his season opener, he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury and a bone bruise in his left knee, causing him to miss three games. He initially played through the injury but eventually took time off to recover properly. Since returning in Week Nine, Bowers has looked healthier and more effective. This includes a seven-catch, 72-yard game in Week 11. While his high snap share discloses how the Raiders rely on him, his injury history brings some concern for fans as their team heads into Week 13. Bowers’s combination of volume, role, and red-zone opportunities keeps him as a dependable fantasy option with a fairly safe floor and the chance to score touchdowns.

Weighing Stability Against Explosiveness for Week 13

For Week 13, Bowers offers stability as a dependable tight end. He is suitable for lineups valuing low risk and solid points. Gadsden is the high-risk, high-reward guy. When he's at his best, he's pulling safeties out of the box and leaving massive holes for the run game; that potential for a costly explosion is huge. Bowers fits well where volume wins, while Gadsden excels when big plays matter most. Overall, these two tight ends will positively influence their teams’ offensive success.