GenoSmith

News: 5 days agoSmith went 6-for-8 for 55 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Saturday's preseason defeat against San Francisco.

Spin: Smith played just one drive in Las Vegas' preseason opener against the Seahawks on Aug. 7, but he doubled that amount Saturday, playing into the early part of the second quarter. The veteran QB led his team to two scores -- a 41-yard Daniel Carlson field goal and a one-yard Ashton Jeanty touchdown. Notably, Smith connected on a 28-yard pass play with Brock Bowers on the Raiders' first offensive snap, perhaps signaling strong chemistry between the quarterback and his top option through the air. Smith isn't the flashiest of signal-callers, but he represents a significant upgrade at the position for Las Vegas after the team made do with a combination of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell under center last year.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Smith was traded to Las Vegas during the offseason. He reunites with Pete Carroll, who was Seattle's head coach when Smith posted career-best marks in passing yards (4,282), pass TDs (30) and fantasy finish (fifth, or ninth in PPG) in 2022. Smith's output has dipped quite a bit the last two seasons (22nd in PPG in 2023 and 16th in 2024), the latter despite ranking top 5 in pass attempts, completions and yards. He has evolved into a solid, albeit conservative passer who adds some value with his legs. His supporting cast in Las Vegas won't be quite as good as in Seattle, though Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers provide a pair of good targets. Now 34, Smith is best viewed as a fringe QB2 with limited upside.