Geno Smith: A Glimmer of Hope for Raiders Fantasy Owners

For Las Vegas Raiders fans and fantasy football enthusiasts across the valley, this season has largely been a struggle. Despite initial optimism surrounding new faces and strategies, the hometown team’s performance has been disappointing, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. However, a recent shift suggests that quarterback Geno Smith might be turning a corner, potentially offering a much-needed lifeline for those invested in his fantasy prospects.

The Raiders’ Rocky 2025 Season: An Offensive Struggle

The 2025 NFL season began with considerable excitement and high hopes for the Las Vegas Raiders. The additions of veteran Head Coach Pete Carroll, innovative Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly, and new playmakers like quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty, painted a picture of a revitalized, highly potent offensive attack. Yet, ten weeks into the season, the reality is stark: the Raiders stand at a dismal 2-7, their playoff hopes fading rapidly.

Offensive Woes: Where Did It Go Wrong?

The primary culprit for the Raiders’ struggles has undoubtedly been their offense, which has consistently underperformed. Ranking a dismal 30th in average yards gained (just 272.7 per game) and 31st in points scored (a paltry 15.4 per game, only above the Tennessee Titans led by rookie Cam Ward), the unit has frequently stalled. A significant contributing factor is their high rate of turnovers; Las Vegas is among the top seven teams in the league with 14 giveaways this season. Alarmingly, quarterback Geno Smith is personally responsible for 13 of those costly turnovers.

While the Raiders’ defense has been a surprising and often overlooked bright spot, allowing the 15th-least yards per game (320.8), their efforts are routinely undermined. Offensive miscues and short fields consistently put the defense in disadvantaged situations, leading to them being tied for 20th in scoring defense at 24.4 points allowed per week.

Geno Smith’s Rollercoaster Journey: From Seahawks Star to Raiders Scrutiny

Geno Smith arrived in Las Vegas with a well-earned reputation forged during his impressive tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. There, he was seen as a fringe top-10 quarterback, renowned for his ability to lead truly elite offensive attacks, extend plays with his mobility, find explosive gains downfield, and thread tight-window throws with precision. Smith certainly had flaws, such as a penchant for taking bad sacks and racking up interceptions, but these were largely accepted as part of the package for a dynamic “gunslinger” who thrived playing out of structure.

A Potential Turnaround on the Horizon for the Silver and Black?

Unfortunately for the Raiders and their fantasy managers this season, Smith’s aggressive style seemed to only bring the “warts” of his game, without many of the redeeming “benefits.” His play often looked uninspired, and the high turnover rate continued. However, a tangible shift has been observed since the team’s Week 8 bye week. Smith has shown signs of turning things around in the two games since, including an interception against the Denver Broncos that was admittedly a fluky ricochet off Ashton Jeanty’s shoulder pads, suggesting perhaps a change in his fortune or a subtle but important improvement in his decision-making.

Fantasy Football Outlook: Why Geno Smith is on the Waiver Wire Radar

For those navigating the complexities of fantasy football, this recent glimmer of hope for Geno Smith is a crucial development. Esteemed analyst Jamey Eisenberg of CBS Sports has taken notice, going as far as to name Smith a solid waiver-wire option at quarterback, particularly for the Raiders’ upcoming Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This recommendation is heavily bolstered by the Cowboys’ defense, which, surprisingly for a strong overall team, has been notoriously generous to opposing quarterbacks, ranking #1 in most fantasy points allowed to the position across the league. This presents a truly favorable matchup.

Beyond the advantageous opponent, Smith has historically demonstrated the capability for strong fantasy outings, showcasing his upside. He has scored at least 19.5 fantasy points in three of his six games when on the field with talented tight end Brock Bowers. This connection could prove vital in unlocking his fantasy potential once more and making him a viable streaming option.

Raiders Offensive Performance at a Glance (2025 Season)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Raiders’ Fantasy Prospects

• Is Geno Smith a recommended fantasy pick for Week 11?
  Yes, according to CBS Sports’ Jamey Eisenberg, he’s a solid waiver-wire option. The Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is particularly favorable, as they allow the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
• What are the primary offensive struggles for the Las Vegas Raiders this season?
  The Raiders’ offense ranks near the bottom of the league in both yards and points per game. A high number of turnovers, with Geno Smith largely responsible, is a key contributing factor to their struggles.
• Who is Pete Carroll, and what is his role with the Las Vegas Raiders?
  Pete Carroll is the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, brought in for the 2025 season with significant expectations to revitalize the team’s performance and culture.
• How has the Raiders’ defense performed in the 2025 season?
  The Raiders’ defense has been surprisingly solid in terms of yards allowed, ranking 15th in the league. However, their scoring defense is tied for 20th, often hindered by short fields created by offensive turnovers.

For Las Vegas fantasy managers, keeping a close eye on Geno Smith’s Week 11 performance against the Cowboys will be absolutely crucial. This highly favorable matchup could serve as the much-needed catalyst for a significant fantasy surge, potentially turning a season of disappointment into one with a few more reasons to cheer for our hometown team.

Geno Smith A Glimmer of Hope for Raiders Fantasy