Week 3 at Washington Commanders
Brock Bowers vs. Jayden Daniels
The Raiders and Commanders faceoff comes off the heels of their 2024 first-round picks having a couple of the best rookie seasons in NFL history.
A year after winning the Heisman Trophy at LSU, Daniels played a pivotal role in turning the Commanders around. Washington went 4-13 the season before taking Daniels with No. 2 overall pick in the draft, with the quarterback leading them to a 12-5 record and their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991. He was voted Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned a Pro Bowl selection after throwing nearly 3,600 yards, 25 passing touchdowns and setting an NFL record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in a single season with 891.
The runner-up behind Daniels for Offensive Rookie of the Year broke a few NFL records himself. Brock Bowers, the No. 13 overall pick, took the league by storm at the tight end position, setting NFL records for receptions by a rookie (112) and receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,194). He was the only rookie in 2024 to be named First-Team All-Pro, and the fourth rookie tight end in NFL history to receive that honor.
While these two won't be directly lined up against each other, their success will be imperative in determining which team will be victorious. Daniels will have a new weapon in Deebo Samuel in addition to Terry McLaurin. The Raiders traded for Pro Bowler Geno Smith this offseason after Bowers caught passes from three different quarterbacks throughout his rookie season.