Kyren Williams and Raiders Tight Ends See Increased Volume Heading into Week 5
As the NFL enters Week 5 of the 2026 season, offensive identities are solidifying around unique personnel groupings. While many fantasy managers are looking for standard wide receiver production, the most significant value shifts are occurring in the Los Angeles Rams‘ backfield and the Las Vegas Raiders’ tight end room.
With the Las Vegas Raiders facing the New England Patriots at 1 p.m. ET today and the Rams preparing for a Monday Night Football clash with the Buffalo Bills, the tactical shifts by Sean McVay and Klint Kubiak have created new blueprints for production.
Kyren Williams as a Dual-Threat Anchor
Kyren Williams has moved beyond the “workhorse” label to become a primary receiving target in the Rams’ system. In his most recent outing against the Philadelphia Eagles, Williams recorded a career-high 10 receptions for 66 yards. This surge in passing-game involvement, combined with his league-leading 64.8% rushing success rate, has placed him firmly in the top five among running back rankings heading into the Bills game.
Analysis of McVay’s recent play-calling suggests Williams is being utilized as a de facto wide receiver on third downs. This evolution is partly driven by necessity due to injuries in the Rams’ receiving corps, but his efficiency has made him the most consistent floor-play at the position. For managers looking at trade windows, his current utilization suggests his value is tied more to the Rams’ scheme than defensive matchups.
The Raiders’ heavy use of 12-personnel has unlocked production for both and .
The Raiders’ Two-Tight End System
In Las Vegas, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has leaned into “12 personnel” (one running back, two tight ends) more than any other play-caller in the league this season. This strategy has resulted in rare fantasy symmetry: both Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer finished as top-10 scorers at their position in Week 4.
Mayer currently leads the Raiders with 20 receptions through the first four weeks, serving as a reliable safety valve for a team lacking a definitive WR1. Bowers, meanwhile, is being used more vertically, stressing linebackers and safeties in the seam.
Today’s matchup against the Patriots provides a significant test for this system. New England has traditionally prioritized taking away a team’s primary weapon, but the Raiders’ refusal to designate a single “number one” target between Mayer and Bowers makes them difficult to neutralize with traditional bracket coverage.
As the season progresses, these specific roles for Williams, Bowers, and Mayer are shifting from “bold predictions” to sustainable weekly expectations. For Williams, the volume in the passing game provides a high floor regardless of rushing lanes, while the Raiders’ tight ends are benefiting from a system that views them as the primary engines of the passing attack rather than secondary options.
