Raiders HC Antonio Pierce announced Sunday that QB Gardner Minshew will start Week 1, leaving Aidan O'Connell to back him up. Pierce said the decision was based on many factors and not based on their performances in the second preseason game. O'Connell threw a pick-6 late in that game. The coach said they believe Minshew gives the team the best chance to start fast.
This didn't look like a clear choice to anyone, with neither QB standing out in training camp or the preseason.
Given that, Minshew makes sense to open the year. He has started 37 games across five seasons with three teams and signed a two-year contract with $15 million guaranteed this offseason.
That followed O'Connell starting 10 games as a rookie -- and clearly not impressing enough to enter his second season as the lead guy.
We'll be surprised if Minshew starts every game for the Raiders this season. We'll also be surprised if either QB delivers significant fantasy value.
Minshew is 28 and on his fourth team. O'Connell will already be 26 when his second NFL season begins -- and not starting.
There's not much dynasty value to mine for here.
Raiders pass-catchers are the clear losers in this QB "battle." Vegas WRs still ranked 14th in the league in PPR points last year. And they averaged 38.1 points over nine games after the switch from Josh McDaniels to Pierce vs. 33.5 over the first eight games.
So even though the team's QB play isn't going to boost anyone in the Raiders offense, it also won't keep worthwhile players from making some fantasy impact.
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