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.

The Broncos rolled with Jarrett Stidham in the exhibition win over Arizona, cruising to a 27-7 victory. Stidham finished 16 of 23 for 240 yards and two touchdowns, directing Denver through a sharp opening drive that featured Evan Engram and rookie Pat Bryant on the highlights. RJ Harvey punched in Denver’s first TD, while Troy Franklin added a late score to seal the margin. Will Lutz provided three field goals, with the defense bending but mostly bending-less in the second half. Broncos injuries to Nick Gargiulo and Garrett Wilson were noted as they head toward the finale against New Orleans.

Arizona answered early but stagnated after the opening sequence, with Jacoby Brissett tossing a 16-yard TD to Simi Fehoko before Tune took over and Denver extended the lead behind continued big plays from Franklin and Fehoko. The night showcased Denver’s depth at skill positions and a QB competition under Payton’s watch, while the Cardinals evaluated Tune and the young pass catchers. A strong preseason push leaves fantasy managers eyeing expanding roles for the Broncos’ playmakers as the regular season approaches.

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.

Las Vegas is actively reshaping its WR room in anticipation of 2025, after a strong second half in preseason against Seattle nudged the front office toward tweaks. Marquez Callaway was brought in to add veteran size and catching potential, while Kawaan Baker was released, signaling a measured push to stabilize depth behind the top targets. Alex Bachman and Shedrick Jackson flashed in camp and last week’s game, underscoring how crowded the group remains as the Raiders chase the best 53 players. The audition continues into the next preseason game, with Callaway likely to get more run to prove he belongs on the initial roster.

Quietly, this is about more than one signing or one game. It’s a clear statement from the new regime that the 53 will be defined in training camp and the preseason, not by last season’s footprint. Aidan O’Connell’s chemistry with Bachman offered a glimpse of a developing connection, while Callaway’s experience gives the Raiders a potential red-zone and punt-return option. All of it feeds into a broader 2025 optimism, even as roster math remains unsettled heading toward Week 1 against New England.

The Las Vegas Raiders showcased promising talent during their preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, particularly rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. The young athlete made a notable impression with a single 17-yard reception that highlighted his speed and skill. Although backup quarterback Aidan O'Connell missed a potential big play due to an underthrown ball, Thornton's ability to create separation against defenders demonstrated his potential impact on the field.

Thornton's performance, despite limited opportunities, indicates that he possesses the capabilities to become a significant contributor in the Raiders' receiving corps. The Raiders' offense has been looking for consistent playmakers, and Thornton's flashes of talent suggest he could fill that role as the season progresses.