Raiders QB Geno Smith delivered another stinker in Sunday's loss to the Colts. He went 25-of-36 passing for 228 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 INTs. Smith accumulated 134 of those yards in the first half, which ended with a mere 20-3 deficit. The Colts tacked on another 20 points in the third quarter, yet Smith couldn't get any teammate more than 5 receptions or 62 yards by the end.
Here's one measure of how poorly things are going for Smith: This is already his third game of the year with 2+ INTs. Smith had four such games all of last year. And just two of them the year before, and two the year before that.
This season's looking alarmingly similar to Smith's rookie year way back in 2013. Smith threw 7 TD passes vs. 8 INTs across the first five games of that year.
He's got one fewer TD and one more INT through five games this season.
Smith's QBR through the first four games stood at a career-worst 37.1 -- even worse than that rookie season (41.0). And he's working on his fewest passing yards per game since those early Jets days.
Smith shouldn't be doomed. He played much better in Seattle, and they reportedly talked contract extension with him before shipping him to Vegas and importing Sam Darnold.
But there's nothing to point to for optimism right now, especially the further we get from what seemed like an encouraging opener at New England.
Smith gets a Week 6 home date with the Titans, who entered Week 5 ranked 29th in total defensive DVOA and 31st against the pass.
If he can't deliver a good fantasy outing there, it might be time to wonder if Aiden O'Connell will push for playing time once healthy.
No matter how Smith plays in Week 6, he shouldn't enter your 1-QB plans for a Week 7 visit to Kansas City. After that comes a bye the Raiders will probably be thrilled to greet.
O'Connell was expected to need 6-8 weeks to return from his fractured right wrist. That timeline would make Week 9 a possibility, following the aforementioned bye.
If we get two more clunkers from Smith ahead of that Week 8 break, it's not hard to imagine coaches considering a change.
If you've got room in a deeper superflex format, consider stashing O'Connell at some point ahead of Week 9.
Pass rate over expected for and against data for all 32 teams. Find out which teams want to air it out and which want to run the rock. Useful information when making start/sit decisions, waiver-wire moves, and trades.
Read More »
The film shows rookie RB Kyle Monangai flashing star traits in Chicago, plus one TE whose talent outweighs his stats and another due for regression.
Read More »
Stashing future free agents now is the easiest way to build dynasty value. We break down the best players to trade for and the top waiver adds to flip later.
Read More »
You have our personal money-back guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service for any reason, just reach out by December 31, 2025, and we’ll give you 100% of your subscription money back. No strings attached. You can cancel with one-click from your account page anytime.
Search
