No Front-Runner Yet Between Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew II
Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew II continue to split reps during offseason programs, but there's no clear favorite for the starting job, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. "While they've both taken quickly to offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's system, neither stood out much during practices," Reed wrote. "The defense decidedly had the upper hand regardless of who was at quarterback." Both quarterbacks will have plenty of opportunities to compete over the next couple of months, but for the time being, fantasy managers must continue to grapple with the uncertainty out of Las Vegas as they prepare their rosters for the 2024 season. Whichever signal caller wins the job would be a high-end fantasy QB3 by Week 1.
Gardner Minshew, Aidan O'Connell To Compete For Starting Job
The Las Vegas Raiders didn't take a quarterback in this year's NFL draft, which means QBs Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell are set to compete for the starting job in training camp this summer. The Raiders were rumored to be angling to trade up in the first round of the draft for a franchise signal-caller, but instead they stayed put and took Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with their first-round selection. O'Connell held his own in 2023 when he was thrust into the starting role because of Jimmy Garoppolo's injuries and inconsistency, but Minshew should still be considered the favorite this fall given his experience. The 27-year-old Minshew would be a solid midrange QB2 in fantasy if he wins the starting job after making his first career Pro Bowl in 2023 with the Colts. He threw for a career-high 3,305 yards, 15 TDs and nine interceptions in 17 games (13 starts).
The Las Vegas Raiders are signing veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew to a two-year deal, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 27-year-old was a sixth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and has made 37 starts for three organizations. Between his time with the Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts, Minshew has thrown for 9,937 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. In Las Vegas, he might have a chance to compete for the starting job, or he might get to start at the beginning of the season while the team eases a potential 2024 rookie into action. Minshew is not on the single-QB radar in fantasy football, but he should be monitored by two-QB and Superflex league fantasy managers.
Gardner Minshew Throws For Just 141 Yards In Season Finale Loss
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 13 of his 24 passes for 142 yards in the team's 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans. Minshew struggled to move the ball through the air and wasn't able to convert on a 4th-and-one pass to running back Tyler Goodson with just over a minute left in regulation which ultimately decided the game. Minshew did an excellent job in relief of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) this season, helping the team to finish with a 9-8 record. Minshew wraps up the 2023 campaign with 3,305 passing yards, a 15 to nine touchdown-to-interception ratio, and another 100 yards rushing. Barring the return of Richardson (shoulder) in the 2024 season, it's likely that Minshew will resume his role as the backup next season.
Gardner Minshew A Decent Streaming Option In Season Finale
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew has been a hit-or-miss fantasy option for most of the 2023 season. In Week 17, he completed 15 of his 23 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown in the team's win against the Las Vegas Raiders. He now gears up for a win-and-in regular-season finale, when the Colts square off against the Texans on Saturday night. Houston has made for a decent matchup for quarterbacks, allowing the ninth most fantasy points to the position. Their secondary has struggled from a yardage perspective as well, allowing the eight most yards through the air this season. With many of fantasy's top QBs sitting out this week, fantasy managers can look to include Minshew as a low-end QB1 this week.
Gardner Minshew Not A Strong QB1 Option In Week 17
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 20 of his 37 passes for 201 yards and no touchdowns in the team's Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He now gears up for a Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, a defense allowing the tenth-least fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Minshew's fantasy production is most reliant on passing touchdowns, which the Raiders have done a good job of defending this year, allowing just 19 on the season. Fantasy managers in need of a streaming option at quarterback this week may want to look elsewhere, as Minshew will likely only provide 2QB/Superflex value.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 20 of his 37 passing attempts for 201 yards through the air in the team's 29-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Minshew threw no touchdowns and one interception on the day. Indy had difficulty moving the ball against Atlanta's defense, and Minshew's fantasy production took a dip as a result. He remains primarily a deeper streaming option in Week 17 when the Colts square off against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew had a decent fantasy outing in Week 15, throwing for three touchdowns in the team's win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He now gets ready for a Week 16 matchup when the Colts travel to face off against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons' defense has been an above-average matchup for opposing quarterbacks, allowing the 14th most points to the position. With Minshew's fantasy production being primarily touchdown-dependent, he doesn't make for a strong start in Week 16. This Atlanta defense has allowed just two passing touchdowns in their last four games, tied for the least in the league. Atlanta's recent form should have fantasy managers avoiding Minshew as a QB1 this week, but he does make for a solid 2QB/Superflex league option.
Gardner Minshew Throws Three Touchdowns In Week 15 Win
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew was extremely productive in the team's 30-13 Week 15 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Minshew completed 18 of his 28 passes, for 215 yards and three touchdowns. He also did a great job taking care of the ball, with zero turnovers. Minshew lost his No. 1 target in wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) in the first half and was still able to make due. He will look to continue the momentum into Week 16 when the Colts face off against the Atlanta Falcons.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew went 26 for 39 passing for 240 yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. While he's done a decent job as the starter for Indy, he hasn't had many weeks in which he has been a top-tier quarterback for fantasy purposes. That likely won't change in Week 15 when the Colts face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh has done a great job containing quarterbacks this season, allowing the seventh-least fantasy points to the position. With little rushing upside to pair along with it, Minshew does not make for a great start this week considering the matchup. Fantasy managers in deeper QB2/Superflex formats can look his way, but otherwise, he is largely off the radar this week.
