The NFL: A Year-Round Fantasy Football Frenzy
The NFL is a non-stop enterprise, which means that there’s never a bad time to talk about fantasy football. This is particularly true on Friday night, as the trade of Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders has created significant ripples that could impact fantasy drafts for years to come. The trade has shifted the landscape, affecting key players on both teams and altering their potential value in fantasy leagues.
Geno Smith’s Move to Las Vegas: A Game-Changer
In the welcoming corner, we have the Las Vegas Raiders, who are poised to benefit significantly from this trade. Brock Bowers, a rising star at tight end, is set to become the league’s top player at his position. In the 2024 fantasy football season, Bowers finished as the No. 2 tight end in standard scoring, behind only George Kittle. He led all tight ends with 1,194 yards, and this was achieved with quarterbacks like Gardner Minshew and Aiden O’Connell throwing him the ball. Now, with Geno Smith at the helm, Bowers is expected to elevate his game even further. Smith, while not perfect, is known for his willingness to air it out to his favorite targets. Bowers, with his exceptional receiving skills, is likely to become the consensus No. 1 tight end in all fantasy drafts for the 2025 season, and some may even pitch him as a late first-round pick.
Other Impact Players in Las Vegas
The trade’s ripple effect extends beyond Bowers. Jakobi Meyers, another key player in the Raiders’ offense, could see an increase in value. It’s often challenging to recommend multiple players from an offense with a subpar quarterback, but Smith’s track record in Seattle, where he allowed multiple pass-catchers to be effective, suggests that Meyers could also benefit. The Raiders’ running game remains a question mark, with Sincere McCormick, a relatively unproven youngster, potentially leading the backfield. However, with Smith’s ability to move the ball, McCormick could become a sneaky flex pick, especially if the offense performs well. Additionally, Smith himself may see a slight upgrade in his value, having played behind a porous offensive line in Seattle last season.
The Seattle Seahawks: A Shifting Landscape
In the departed corner, we have the Seattle Seahawks, whose future is still somewhat unclear. The quarterback position might not actually see a downgrade, as Sam Darnold has been linked with a move to the Seahawks as a free agent. The receiving corps remains in flux, with DK Metcalf’s future uncertain. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished 2024 as the No. 14 wide receiver in standard scoring, is likely to fall to the high-end WR2 range in drafts. However, if Metcalf is traded and Darnold signs, Smith-Njigba could have WR1 upside given his potential target share. The running back situation with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet remains a source of confusion for fantasy owners, although Walker is known for his explosive playmaking ability when healthy.
Potential Metcalf Trade and Its Impact
If Metcalf is indeed traded, the Seahawks’ wide receiver room will undergo significant changes. Fantasy owners should closely monitor any new additions the team makes. If the Seahawks do not bring in any new receivers, players like Jake Bobo could suddenly see a substantial increase in targets. The potential for a shake-up in the Seahawks’ passing game could create new opportunities for other players to step up and fill the void left by Metcalf.
Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Further Developments
The Geno Smith trade has set the stage for a dynamic fantasy football season, with significant implications for both the Las Vegas Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks. As the dust settles and more details emerge, fantasy owners will need to stay vigilant and adapt their draft strategies accordingly. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the final roster configurations and the overall impact on fantasy football.
