Gardner Minshew II's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

In a game where every play counted, Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew II managed 257 passing yards with a 31-yard touchdown to Alexander Mattison. However, his Raiders debut was marred by an interception and a critical fumble in the Raiders' 22-10 defeat to the Chargers. His stats were solid, distributing the ball well among his receivers, yet the fumble was a turning point, gifting the Chargers points. Next week, with the stingy Baltimore Ravens defense on tap, Minshew's role as a facilitator might benefit his receivers more than himself. He's a risky start in fantasy, suitable for deeper or superflex, with his ceiling limited by turnovers.

According to Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, quarterback Gardner Minshew II will start in Week 1 versus the Chargers. Aidan O'Connell was the presumed starter at one point. Yet, Minshew did enough throughout camp and the preseason to claim the top spot on the depth chart. The 28-year-old has had mixed results from a production standpoint over the years, throwing for 9,937 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 24 picks with the Jaguars, Eagles, and Colts. This could be Minshew's last chance to earn a starting job, with O'Connell potentially entering the equation if things get out of hand. However, neither signal-caller should be considered a top fantasy quarterback entering the 2024-25 campaign, despite having Davante Adams in their arsenal.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell got the start in the preseason opener last week, so Gardner Minshew II will get the nod on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys, with both QBs set to play a quarter as they continue their competition. O'Connell went 7-for-9 for 76 yards, while Minshew went 6-for-12 for 117 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Antonio Pierce said he's hoping to decide the QB battle after this Saturday's contest. The two signal-callers have much different styles, with O'Connell being more of a pocket passer, while the 28-year-old Minshew has found more success on off-script plays outside the pocket. Minshew is more of a boom/bust type QB in fantasy, but regardless of who wins the QB competition in Vegas, they won't be much more than a low-end QB2/high-end QB3 in superflex leagues.