Three Week 1 waiver targets stand out for 2025: Zamir White could be the Raiders' clear RB2 and a key handcuff behind Ashton Jeanty in a run‑heavy attack. Andrei Iosivas may push into Cincinnati as the No.3 receiver behind Chase and Higgins, with Higgins’ injury history opening modest flex value. Josh Reynolds looks to slot in as Jets’ No.2 WR when Lazard sits, offering a safe floor in deep formats.

White flashed late in 2023 with solid PPR output, while Iosivas has shown target potential when involved and could rise if injuries shrink Cincinnati’s depth chart. Reynolds, in a run‑first Jets scheme, offers steady targets in 14+ team leagues. Week 1 usage, opponent, and depth‑chart shifts will largely shape their early 2025 value.

Ashton Jeanty is poised for a Week 1 breakout with a projected 20-25 touches for Las Vegas, aided by an improved offensive line and a passing threat from Geno Smith. The rookie is viewed as the lead back, with Zamir White spelling him for a handful of carries. The setup signals high early-season trust and strong fantasy upside.

Week 1 against New England tests that upside, as the Patriots reshaped their run defense after 2024. If Vegas can leverage the pass, Jeanty’s workload could remain heavy, making him a must-start in standard leagues and a viable focal point in PPR formats. White provides a safe floor behind him.

Raiders 53-man cuts reveal a CB-first, backfield-leaning approach. Greedy Vance Jr. was let go as Las Vegas bets on corner depth after Jakorian Bennett’s trade, while Sincere McCormick lands as the odd man out behind Zamir White, Ashton Jeanty, and Raheem Mostert. Ashton Jeanty’s rise and Mostert’s addition sharpen the backfield mix. In the secondary, Lonnie Johnson’s return from injury and Terrell Edmunds’ late addition shape defensive versatility, with Zach Carter exiting as the interior DL rotation remains crowded.

On the fantasy side, expect CB competition to drive waiver wire activity, plus a committee backfield that limits Week-to-Week certainty. The defensive line depth hints at more frontline pressure schemes, while the safety hybrid roles could tweak coverage packages. Monitor how the Raiders deploy Edmunds/Adams and which DTs rise to the occasion as the season unfolds.

Las Vegas flashed a more explosive aerial attack in the preseason finale, led by Geno Smith finding Dont’e Thornton Jr. on a 17-yard back-shoulder TD on the opening drive, underscoring a potential deep-game profile for the Raiders. Thornton’s track speed (4.3) and practice-time chemistry with Smith suggest a legitimate game-day weapon, while Aidan O’Connell’s fractured wrist creates a real backup-QB vacancy that could push Cam Miller into extended action. The backfield remains in flux, with Ashton Jeanty in reserve behind Raheem Mostert and Zamir White, and Sincere McCormick and Dylan Laube also in the mix. Front-office options at QB include free agents and UCLA ties via Dorian Thompson-Robinson with Chip Kelly, and even Carson Wentz as a potential starter if LV pursues a trade. The collaboration of Smith and Thornton sets a optimistic tone for a more vertical Raiders attack, balanced by questions at quarterback depth and RB usage going into cuts.

Geno Smith connected for a score and showcased the kind of aggressive, timely deep shots that could unlock more fantasy relevance for Raiders pass-catchers. Thornton’s wheels and route-running could lift LV’s ceiling, especially if the offense leans into play-action and back-shoulder concepts. O’Connell’s injury compounds the QB depth issue, forcing Miller into larger responsibilities and prompting speculation about outside help. In the backfield, White’s efficiency and McCormick’s burst keep Mostert in the conversation as a complementary option, while Jeanty continues to establish himself as the long-term burner in Las Vegas’ RB room.