Aidan O’Connell has opened the preseason with ugly turnover numbers, and questions about whether he’s taken the next step into NFL starter potential loom as he heads into year three. The Raiders have him pegged as Geno Smith’s backup for 2025, raising concerns about their QB2 depth if Smith were to miss time. O’Connell’s Week 1 picks against Seattle and Week 2 misfires versus San Francisco underline a bigger issue: speed and decision-making from the huddle to the snap remain inconsistent. The throw that drew Rich Gannon’s ire is emblematic: covered target, defender parked in front, no margin for error. Yet there are brighter notes in preseason, as rookie Cam Miller flashed in two games, hinting at potential on-field upside if development continues. The backdrop is the Raiders’ desire to keep Miller as a developmental project while preserving O’Connell as a steady if imperfect reserve.

From Seattle’s sideline, Pete Carroll pointed to the Raiders’ signal-caller’s pace as a core problem—imperfect cadence translates to slower tempo and more uncertain reads. The GM booth’s John Spytek was present for at least one pick, but his stance offered no fireworks. The unsettled dynamic in Las Vegas is clear: O’Connell remains the default QB2, Cam Miller has intrigue, and Seattle’s depth chart remains a short-term concern for fantasy rosters until clearer roles emerge. In fantasy terms, early-season exposure to O’Connell’s back-end potential carries risk, with Miller’s bursts offering speculative upside for those willing to chase upside late in drafts.

Rookie quarterbacks dominated the NFL preseason chatter this week, with the top value leaning toward Jaxson Dart, who again led the charge for the Giants in a clean, productive two weeks. Ward flashed a sublime arm on a moving strike but otherwise battled for consistency, while Dillon Gabriel showed Browns coaches exactly what they hoped for with quick reads and timing—until a late miscue turned into a pick-six. Quinn Ewers and Graham Mertz delivered some encouraging moments, yet most reps belonged to a rookie class spread across multiple teams, each offering a baseline for fantasy upside and weekly sprint-practice implications.

Jaxson Dart sits atop the rookie QB ladder with 291 passing yards and two TDs across two games, aided by a fake to open space to Greg Dulcich and a middle-field connection to Montrell Washington. Ward’s best moment remains a highlight-reel throw on the move, while his Week 2 line (2-of-7 for 42 yards) underscored the volatility of early-action reps. Gabriel operated with Browns’ under-center comfort, efficiently taking underneath routes before a late, ill-advised throw. Ewers connected twice with Wease Jr. for TDs as he stayed composed under pressure, and Milroe carved out value with timely scrambles. Overall, the rookie landscape looks rich but uneven, with a few players projecting real fantasy spark if their situations firm up over the next few weeks.

Las Vegas hosts the San Francisco 49ers for a joint practice in Henderson as a kickoff to Saturday’s Week 2 preseason game. The session is framed as a chance for three Raiders to prove their cases, plus a key look at how the offense can function when pressed by SF’s front. Aidan O’Connell must rebound after Week 1’s two interceptions, with Cam Miller looming as a serious QB2 challenger. Jordan Meredith opens at center, with Jackson Powers-Johnson shifted to right guard, testing how the interior line holds up against a stout 49ers rush. Tonka Hemingway, a fourth‑round rookie, gets a prime stage to show he belongs in the defensive front. The outcomes will inform fantasy rosters and dynasty thinking as Week 2 approaches.

The joint session is a crucible for the Raiders’ QB room, the center of the offensive line, and the edge rush, with immediate implications for Week 2 and beyond. O’Connell’s performance will shape confidence in his pro floor, while Miller’s appearance could realign perceived volatility at QB2. Meredith’s handling of SF’s push could solidify the Raiders’ interior run game and pass protection, a small sample that matters for fantasy stock in a run‑heavy attack. Hemingway’s ability to win against SF’s blockers could accelerate his path to real rotational snaps, boosting IDP and dynasty value in the longer arc. In parallel, SF’s defensive pressure will test the Raiders under game-like stress and offer a clearer read on immediate Week 2 production and potential streaming options for fantasy rosters.

Cam Miller shone in his debut for the Las Vegas Raiders during their preseason opener, leading the team with a standout performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Completing 6-of-7 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, he also rushed for four yards. His most notable moment came on his first NFL drive, where he executed a perfect pump fake before launching a stunning 41-yard touchdown pass to Shedrick Jackson, drawing the Raiders closer in the game.

This impressive outing has left fans and analysts buzzing about Miller's potential impact on the Raiders' season. As a sixth-round pick, his performance exceeded expectations, showcasing arm strength and accuracy. With Derek Carr now in New Orleans, the competition for the starting quarterback position is wide open, and Miller's debut could set the stage for a fierce battle.