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.

Dak Prescott’s 2025 outlook centers on health and bounce-back potential after a torn hamstring ended his 2024 season in eight games. He posted a 36-TD season two years back, and the media chatter has since pivoted around whether he can regain that top-shelf form. Dan Orlovsky’s ESPN ranking spotlighted Prescott’s mechanics at No. 8 among QBs, praising his pocket discipline even as durability questions linger. Dallas opens with a high-stakes test vs. Philadelphia, and fantasy managers will be watching his health, the OL, and how the passing attack around CeeDee Lamb recaptures its ceiling.

Meanwhile, the broader QB landscape in the mix—Lamar Jackson, Geno Smith, Jared Goff, and Justin Herbert—serves as a benchmark for Prescott’s potential upside if he’s fully healthy. The takeaway for fantasy players: Prescott’s appeal hinges on health and offensive-line stability, with an environment that could still yield elite weekly outputs if the Cowboys’ scheme and target distribution unleash the passing game once more.

Jason McCourty breaks down the AFC West threat map, arguing KC’s nine-division-streak isn’t just about talent or scheme but the evolving divisional landscape. He points to quarterbacks and coaches in the neighboring teams creating a sharper challenge in 2025, especially as Payton’s second year in Denver and Harbaugh-adjacent growth with the Chargers begin to bear fruit. The discussion centers on how the division’s defenses and playmakers could close the gap, making the Chiefs’ throne more precarious than in prior years.

Key names and teams to watch surface quickly: Denver’s revamped defensive identity under Vance Joseph, SF’s staunch front guided by Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, and Seattle’s offense with Geno Smith providing balance to a division that finally looks more competent on both sides of the ball. McCourty’s PAC Board work amplifies his network insight, underscoring how player development and mentorship may tilt competitive balance as schedules tighten and rosters shift.

Las Vegas reshapes its underperforming offense by adding Geno Smith, a quarterback with a proven deep ball, and drafting Ashton Jeanty to jump-start the ground game. Smith’s 83.1 PFF grade in 2024 and a 95.1% deep passing edge last season signal a high-upside pass attack, particularly with a favorable supporting cast after LV’s 4-13 finish. Jeanty’s elite rushing grade and Boise State resume sketch a breakout in LV’s backfield, potentially transforming the Raiders into a more balanced, fantasy-friendly unit. Crosby eyes a bounce-back year after an injury-shortened 2023, while LV’s defensive questions—especially in pass coverage—could shape game scripts and fantasy outcomes. The piece highlights a 7.3 win projection and a bold Jeanty 10+ rushing TD bet (+260), framing LV as a high-variance but intriguing fantasy target.

Geno Smith’s proven accuracy and deep-ball efficiency align with LV’s revamped aerial approach, and Ashton Jeanty’s high-end rushing grade suggests a dynamic upgrade at running back. Crosby’s return to health could stabilize LV’s edge pressure, even if pass defense remains a work in progress. The Raiders’ mix of upgrade-driven moves and coaching continuity presents both risk and upside for fantasy players, especially at tight end and backfield, where Jeanty’s late-draft heat could translate to meaningful touches and points.