O'Connell will battle Brian Hoyer for the backup role behind Jimmy Garoppolo. That battle will be far more interesting if Garoppolo is not ready for the start of training camp after offseason foot surgery. O'Connell is a pure pocket passer whose best season came in 2021 when he was throwing to David Bell. Even if he ends up in a starting role, he's unlikely to be better than a top-24 quarterback in Fantasy any time soon. For now, the only leagues he should be rostered in are deep Superflex Dynasty leagues. If Garoppolo is not ready for camp, you can start considering O'Connell in the final rounds of Superflex redraft leagues as well. But even in that format he's probably no more than a bye-week replacement.
Raiders' Aidan O'Connell: Week 4 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
We don't know if Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion) will play in Week 4 at the Chargers. And we also don't know if O'Connell or Brian Hoyer (1 percent) will start if Garoppolo is out. I hope it's O'Connell, who looked great in the preseason when he completed 43 of 62 passes for 482 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in three games. Keep an eye on Garoppolo's status and who will start, and that quarterback will be worth at least 10 percent of your FAB in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues.
... See More... See Less
Raiders' Aidan O'Connell: Wraps up excellent preseason
Rotowire
O'Connell completed 17 of 26 passes for 178 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 31-16 preseason loss to the Cowboys.
O'Connell played the first three quarters of the matchup and wrapped up the first preseason of his professional career. Overall, he completed 43 of 62 passes for 482 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions across three games. O'Connell may enter the season as the Raiders' third quarterback, but he should have a chance to pass Brian Hoyer at some point.
