The Las Vegas Raiders selected Lynn Bowden Jr. in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He started his collegiate career at wide receiver but took over at quarterback due to injuries on the team. However, the Raiders announced that they would be playing him at running back. But, the team decided to abandon that plan altogether, trading him over to the Miami Dolphins before the season even started. Bowden has taken some time to get acclimated to his new team, but now in the fantasy football playoffs, Bowden is an interesting option for deeper leagues.
Lynn Bowden a Sleeper Fantasy Football Play in Deeper Leagues
Starting to Come on Strong in the Offense
Bowden has only had one real game where he made an impact this season – last week. But it showed off just how promising he is. Bowden had nine targets and caught seven passes for 82 yards and even attempted a pass. The week before Bowden caught four of four targets for 41 yards and rushed once for 11 yards.
Like all rookies this year, Bowden already faced an uphill battle at making an impact. But after being traded, Bowden had to start all over, moving across the country and learning an entirely new playbook. He made his debut in Week 2, but unfortunately only managed one catch for negative one yard. He was inactive in week three. Then, even though he appeared in three straight games, Bowden only got four rushing attempts for nine yards.
His struggles continued after he was placed on the COVID/Reserve list after Week 6. He finally returned in Week 12, and in Week 13, the Dolphins finally decided to unleash him in the receiving game. Though his sample size is still relatively small, he seems to have found a spot in this offense.
Team Depth
As the Dolphins gear up for a surprise playoff run, they are going to need Bowden to step in. Fellow rookie Tua Tagovailoa is starting at quarterback and looks promising. However, the rest of the offense is struggling with depth. Myles Gaskin started the year at running back, but was injured and then went onto the COVID-19 reserve list. His backup, Salvon Ahmed also went down, putting DeAndre Washington at the top of the depth chart. With no one else really behind him, Bowden could still be utilized at the position.
At wide receiver, it is even grimmer. Preston Williams was put on Injured Reserve right before Bowden returned. Last week, receivers DeVante Parker and Jakeem Grant left with injuries, followed by tight end Mike Gesicki. Two of those three are unlikely to play, further moving Bowden up the pecking order. His volume can really only go up from here.
Lynn Bowden Fantasy Football Schedule and Revenge Game
Next week Bowden goes up against the New England Patriots. Even if all three of the above players miss time, it will be difficult for Bowden to make an impact. The Patriots are bottom of the league in terms of plays allowed, mostly due to their run-heavy offense that chews up the clock. So Bowden may not get as many opportunities as he had against the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs offense. Still, if players have room on their bench, they may want to grab Bowden and stash him for his game the week after.
Championship weekend Bowden makes his return to Las Vegas – to take on the team that drafted him but never gave him a shot. The Raiders also play at a slower pace than many teams in the league, but unlike the Patriots, their defense is terrible. They are 25th in the league against the pass and have given up 24 points in all but two games. They fired their defensive coordinator, Paul Guenther after their most recent loss. However, many question whether their interim coordinator, Rod Marinelli will be any better. He took over as the defensive line coach this season, playing a role in the line regressing in sacks compared to their previous year.
Bowden probably has that week circled on his calendar, and with the Raiders’ playoff hopes already slim, he and the Dolphins can end them completely when they play each other in week 16. Bowden could be a sneaky play in fantasy football and help those who roll the dice bring home a championship.
