A quarterback battle is brewing in Las Vegas as the Raiders look to solidify their starting QB position for the upcoming season. After years of stability with Derek Carr, the team is now weighing their options between Aidan O’Connell and newly signed Gardner Minshew.
O’Connell, a fourth-round pick from 2023, emerged as the starter last season and showed promise with a 5-5 record. On the other hand, Minshew, a veteran QB with experience on multiple teams, is looking to challenge for the starting role after signing a two-year contract worth $25 million.
Recent odds from DraftKings Sportsbook show O’Connell as the slight favorite to take the first snap in Week 1, with Minshew close behind. Despite Minshew’s odds dipping earlier in the offseason, O’Connell has now taken the lead, backed by support from star receiver Davante Adams.
Adams expressed his confidence in O’Connell, highlighting his growth and potential as a young quarterback. O’Connell, a Purdue product, has shown promise with over 9,000 passing yards and 65 touchdowns in his collegiate career. His performance as a rookie starter was commendable, finishing the season with a 62% completion rate and an 83.9 QB rating.
In comparison, Minshew had a successful season with the Colts last year, leading the team to a 9-8 record. Despite being a sixth-round pick, Minshew has proven himself as a reliable starter in the league. The competition between O’Connell and Minshew adds an exciting dynamic to the Raiders’ quarterback situation.
Looking ahead, the Raiders face tough odds for the upcoming season, with an Over/Under win total set at 6.5. They are considered underdogs in the AFC West, with 9-1 odds to win the division and long-shot odds to win the AFC or the Super Bowl.
As fans eagerly await the outcome of the quarterback battle, the Raiders are gearing up for an unpredictable and challenging season. Stay tuned for updates on the NFL and other sports news. Subscribe to FOX Sports for the latest stories and updates on your favorite teams and players. Don’t miss out on the excitement of the upcoming NFL season!