Aidan O’Connell's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. Veteran Gardner Minshew has struggled as the team's starter, passing for 1,014 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions in five games. The Raiders are out to a 2-3 start and are rumored to be looking to trade All-Pro wideout Davante Adams (hamstring), so things are turning south in the Sin City quickly. O'Connell is now a must-add option in two-QB or Superflex leagues, but it would be surprising if he performs well enough to become a viable starter in single-QB formats. Without Adams, the Las Vegas skill group featuring Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Brock Bowers is decent, but it's a bottom-half supporting cast in the NFL. O'Connell played in 11 games last year and posted 2,218 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell has entered Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. Gardner Minshew II didn't have the best showing, throwing for 137 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, so the move was likely related to his performance. This isn't the first time this has happened this season, meaning it's possible Minshew's days as the starter are over, at least for now. However, O'Connell wasn't the most consistent fantasy signal-caller in 2023, making him hard to trust in any format moving ahead.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell took over for Gardner Minshew II in Sunday's matchup with the Panthers. Minshew didn't play the worst, throwing for 214 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 18-for-28 passing. However, with the Panthers up big, the change was made. With that in mind, the situation is worth monitoring ahead of the Week 4 game with the Browns. But at this point, Minshew or O'Connell wouldn't draw much fantasy interest for the meeting with Cleveland.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Wednesday that quarterback Aidan O'Connell won't play in the preseason finale on Friday against the San Francisco 49ers. The Raiders named Gardner Minshew II as their starting QB earlier this week, and the Raiders will hold both Minshew and O'Connell out of action this weekend, with Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman set to split the reps under center. The 25-year-old O'Connell will enter his second NFL season as the backup to Minshew, but if Minshew struggles early on, don't be surprised if Pierce gives O'Connell a shot. He went 5-5 as the starter in 2023 after the team moved on from Jimmy Garoppolo, throwing 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Ultimately, experience won out for Pierce, with Minshew having 37 career NFL starts under his belt. For now, O'Connell is merely a QB3/4 bench stash in superflex fantasy leagues.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has yet to decide on a starting quarterback for the preseason opener against the Vikings, but he indicated that both Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O'Connell will each play a quarter. Pierce noted that the order of the starters is not significant because the other quarterback will start the following week. Throughout the offseason, Pierce allowed O'Connell to take the initial reps while equally distributing opportunities with Minshew. Early in camp, neither quarterback has managed to distinguish themselves. Although Minshew appeared to gain an edge over the past week, Pierce has maintained that the situation remains "status quo," with no final decision made. "This preseason game will be very telling," Pierce said of the QB battle. "I want to see these guys manage the ball, lead the team, and handle situational football." The unofficial depth chart for the game also lacks clarity, listing the first-team QB as either O'Connell or Minshew. While neither quarterback is likely to be worth rostering in single-QB leagues, monitoring the situation to determine who will be throwing passes to receiver Davante Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers is essential.