The fantasy football landscape shifts each week, bringing fresh opportunities and unexpected challenges that separate the prepared from the pretenders. Savvy managers know that last week’s performance tells only part of the story, and diving deeper into the underlying metrics reveals the accurate picture.
This week presents some intriguing decisions. Here’s insight about key Las Vegas Raiders players heading into their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs to help you craft a winning lineup.
Geno Smith, QB
Geno Smith suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday, ending what has been a disaster of a season for the 35-year-old.
It does ensure that he finishes with more touchdown passes (19) than interceptions (17), but 10.0 yards per completion is the fourth-worst mark this season (minimum 10 starts). While this is the third time in four seasons he’ll finish with a completion percentage over 67%, the lack of per-throw upside has made him a fantasy capper for those counting on him.
We are more than likely to see a rookie take over this offense, and that, hopefully, can only boost the ceiling profiles to not only Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty but also breathe life into Tre Tucker and/or Jack Bech as streamers in 2026 at the wide receiver position.
Ashton Jeanty, RB
I guess you could nitpick some precision stuff with Jeanty, but I really think it’s simple: the only thing separating him from our expectations of him four months ago is a little support.
The offensive line gets kills and deservedly so (85.1% of Jeanty’s rushing yards have come after contact), but a little offensive balance wouldn’t hurt either. This is a generational profile, and against a vulnerable Giants defense last week, 43.8% of his carries ended at or behind the line of scrimmage.
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He’s got a Raiders problem, and I’m hoping they prioritize giving him a chance to have the impact we all project as possible. I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt: he’s over 1,200 yards and has scored 10 times in this mess, and that’s why he’ll easily be inside of my top 10 at the position for next season.
You weren’t wrong in being bullish on Jeanty in a Saquon Barkley/Bijan Robinson-like way; you were just early.
Brock Bowers, TE
The Raiders ruled Bowers out for their final two games of the season on Christmas Eve, electing not to take any more risks on a knee that has been giving him issues since Week 2.
This season has been labeled a train wreck by many, given the expectations. That’s partly true because he hasn’t separated from the pack as we needed. Still, a 0.77-point decline in PPR production per game isn’t exactly the end of the world, especially when you consider just how bad the surrounding circumstances have been.
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In terms of air yards per game and slot usage, he’s been within the range of acceptable outcomes when compared to his historic rookie season. What has me bullish on him returning to Tier 1 status in 2026 is the uptick in red zone usage.
Last year, he was looked at on just 20% of his red zone routes, a rate that spiked to 37.2% this season, a nod to his unique skill set at the position.
If the quality of the target can take even a minor step forward, Bowers may challenge Trey McBride at the mountaintop. Even if he can’t get there, the drafting public may overreact to this season, and that makes him a potential post-hype option, even if the price isn’t dragged down too far.
