Raiders Fantasy Outlook

The Raiders made waves on Friday with a surprise trade, acquiring Geno Smith from the Seahawks in exchange for a third-round pick. This move is expected to breathe new life into the Raiders’ offense, which struggled in 2024 due to a revolving door of quarterbacks and skill players. Despite the turmoil, rookie tight end Brock Bowers dominated, setting the record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,194 and coming close to the receptions record. Bowers finished second in target share (26 percent) and targets per route run (.25), though his efficiency metrics—2.02 yards per route run, 10.7 yards per reception, and 7.8 yards per target—revealed room for improvement. The Raiders’ quarterback situation was abysmal, with the team ranking 28th in EPA per passing play and their primary quarterbacks, Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, ranking 25th and 38th in completion percent over expected, respectively. Geno Smith, who ranks first in CPOE since taking over as Seattle’s starter in 2022, brings a level of stability and efficiency that the Raiders desperately need. Under Pete Carroll, who is now the Raiders’ head coach, Smith excelled. Carroll, known for his defensive prowess, had a significant influence on Seattle’s offenses, and the Raiders’ offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is expected to run a similar spread offense that should complement Smith’s strengths.

Impact on Raiders’ Receivers and Tight End

The acquisition of Smith is a significant boon for the Raiders’ tight end and receiver corps. Bowers, already a dominant force, is poised to see an even greater increase in efficiency with a more reliable quarterback. This will likely solidify his position as the TE1 in fantasy football. The move also boosts the stock of Jakobi Meyers, who emerged as a key target after Davante Adams was traded to the Jets. Meyers averaged 73 yards per game without Adams and now has PPR WR2 upside. Tre Tucker, another notable pass-catcher, could see increased opportunities if he avoids significant competition from the draft. Smith, known for his deep passing ability, could unlock Tucker’s potential, especially given that Tucker has seen a significant number of deep targets throughout his career. The Raiders are likely to invest in the receiver position through the draft, but for now, Meyers and Tucker are in strong positions to capitalize on the new quarterback’s arrival.

Seahawks Quarterback Situation

The trade of Geno Smith leaves the Seahawks with a quarterback room that lacks experience and proven talent. Currently, the team has Sam Howell and Jarren Hall, but neither is expected to start Week 1. In free agency, the options are limited, with Sam Darnold standing out as the best prospect. Darnold, who finished 2024 ranked 14th in EPA and seventh in CPOE, has a connection with the Seahawks through new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who worked with him in San Francisco. However, other free agents like Daniel Jones and Russell Wilson are less attractive options due to their impact on the team’s passing game. The Seahawks are more likely to turn to the draft to find their next starting quarterback. They hold the No. 18 overall pick, which puts them out of the running for top prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders unless they trade up. General Manager John Schneider has hinted at a thorough evaluation of first-round hopefuls Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough, among others, and the team may be willing to be aggressive if they identify a franchise quarterback.

Fantasy Fallout for Seahawks Receivers

The departure of Geno Smith and the uncertainty at quarterback will have significant implications for the Seahawks’ wide receivers. DK Metcalf, the team’s star wideout, is heading into the final year of his contract and has requested a trade. The Seahawks are allowing him to explore potential partners, and teams like New England, Green Bay, and Carolina could be interested in his talents. Metcalf’s deep-targeting ability was a significant asset in 2024, and losing Smith’s deep passing skills could be a major blow to his fantasy value. However, if Metcalf stays in Seattle, he could still be a dominant target in a new offense. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who averaged 6.3 catches for 82 yards and .6 touchdowns from Week 9 onward, is expected to take on an even larger role in 2025. Despite the potential downgrade in quarterback play, Smith-Njigba’s target volume should keep him as a top WR2 in fantasy. Jake Bobo, who cracked the roster as a UDFA and showed flashes of potential, could also benefit from the increased opportunities. Noah Fant, entering a contract year, is another player to watch. Despite never living up to his first-round hype, Fant has the potential to make more significant contributions in 2025, keeping his TE2 status afloat.

Future Directions and Strategic Moves

The Raiders’ move to acquire Geno Smith is a clear indication of their commitment to improving their offense. With a more stable and efficient quarterback, the team is well-positioned to elevate the performance of their skill players, especially Bowers and Meyers. The Seahawks, on the other hand, face a challenging roster rebuild, particularly at quarterback. The team’s decision to allow DK Metcalf to explore trades and their focus on the draft suggest a long-term strategy centered around developing young talent. The Seahawks’ front office is likely to be aggressive in pursuit of a franchise quarterback, whether through the draft or free agency. As the offseason progresses, the impact of these moves on both teams’ fantasy outlooks will become clearer, but for now, the Raiders look poised to benefit significantly from this trade.

Conclusion

The trade of Geno Smith from the Seahawks to the Raiders is a game-changing move that reshapes the fantasy landscape for both teams. For the Raiders, the acquisition brings stability and efficiency to a quarterback position that has been a liability. This should elevate the performance of key players like Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers. For the Seahawks, the loss of Smith and the uncertainty at quarterback create a challenging environment, especially for DK Metcalf and other pass-catchers. The Seahawks will likely focus on developing young talent and may be aggressive in the draft to find their next franchise quarterback. As both teams move forward, the impact of this trade will be closely watched by fantasy football enthusiasts and NFL fans alike.

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