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The Raiders spun out badly in 2024. Despite some potential promise before the season, they could never get the quarterback position right. Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell both spent time starting, but the team had little success. That led to massive changes this off-season as Pete Carroll took over as Head Coach. Now, can the Raiders begin the upward climb? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Raiders saw Minshew move on, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders also saw Harrison Bryant leave for the Eagles, while safety Trevon Moehrig sign with the Panthers. Cornerback Jack Jones signed with the Dolphins while Nate Hobbs signed with the Green Bay Packers. Running back Alexander Mattison signed with the Dolphins.

The new era brought some new pieces to the offense. The team brought in veteran back Raheem Mostert to boost the running game and added veteran guard Alex Cappa to the line. The team also traded with the Seahawks to acquire a new starting quarterback in Geno Smith. He finished 28-24 over the last few seasons as a starter for the Seahawks, most of which was under Carroll.

In the draft, the Raiders struck big with running back Ashton Jeanty in the First Round. He rushed for 4,769 yards and 50 touchdowns in three seasons with Boise State, and is poised to be one of the biggest backs in fantasy. The team also added TCU receiver Jack Bech in the Second Round.

Fantasy Impact

Smith takes over as the starting quarterback and figures to be an upgrade for the Raiders. He is a QB2 for me. In the backfield, Mostert will have a role but it’s all about Jeanty. He has some great three-down ability. I like him as an RB1 even as a rookie.

In the passing game, Brock Bowers had a great rookie season. He figures to be the best pass catcher for the team. I like him as a TE1 with a strong case to be THE TE1. In the receiver room, Jakobi Myers is the team’s top option. He finished as WR19 last season and should have WR2 upside in 2025. There aren’t any other receivers I’m interested in for fantasy this season.

The Bottom Line

The Raiders weren’t good and weren’t fun to watch in 2024. I like the changes they’re making for 2025, especially for fantasy. Jeanty and Bowers are top tier, while Myers and Smith should be serviceable pieces. I think the team will win more games than in 2024, too, but I don’t think they’ll be in the playoff race just yet.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.