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.