"Command Center" analysts believe that Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will prove to be a challenge for the Washington Commanders' defense on Sunday.

"Whenever you have a guy that can be a key difference maker like that it's always a challenge. Don't matter who you have covering him," former Washington wide receiver Santana Moss said on this week's episode previewing the contest. "It's always one of those things that you sound the alarm for because you have to worry about a guy like that that can be a difference maker in the middle of the field."

The Commanders will be preparing to play the Raiders at home for the first time since 2017. Washington will have nine days of rest following the Week Two Thursday Night Football loss to the Packers, while the Raiders will only have five.

Bowers will have quarterback Geno Smith at the helm and Pete Carroll in his first year as head coach for Las Vegas. Despite Smith's hindered productivity with three turnovers and a 55.8 completion percentage, the tight end still made some plays in the Raiders' Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. So far this season, he was most efficient against the Patriots in Week One, putting up four first downs and 103 receiving yards.

"Pound for pound he is the best tight end in football to me," said former Commanders defensive back Fred Smoot. "His route-running, his body position, the way he catches the ball, the softest hands."

Bowers was the 13th overall pick out of Georgia in the 2024 NFL draft and set records in his rookie season. He put up 112 receptions -- the most receptions by any NFL rookie last year -- and 1,194 receiving yards, which ranks first by a rookie tight end in NFL history.

"He's a little George Kittle in terms of vertical horsepower," said former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen. "He's got some really nice ball skills and is really a dynamic playmaker."

From his ability to jump off the screen to his speed and play-making skill, Bowers has plenty of tools to maximize his effectiveness, Command Center analysts underscored. To get back in the win column this weekend, neutralizing the threat will be a top priority for Washington.