Raiders Fans Have Strong Opinions Of Gardner Minshew Being The Betting Favorite For QB1 Job

   

Las Vegas Raiders Gardner Minshew

DraftKings has declared a favorite in the race for the Las Vegas Raiders QB1 job. Raiders fans had strong opinions about the update on the race between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew.

The Raiders offense is expected to look much different in Luke Getsy’s first season as their offensive coordinator. The backfield is predicted to regress without running back Josh Jacobs, who signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency.

Aidan O’Connell was predicted to start by a beat writer

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell has Davante Adams' endoresement
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

As previously discussed on GH, Tashan Reed with The Athletic thinks the Raiders will give second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell the QB1 job if the battle between him and Minshew is close in August:

Reed gave an update on where the Raiders are before training camp starts in July. Reed thinks the Raiders will start O’Connell because he has the highest ceiling. Reed reiterated that the Raiders quarterbacks struggled this spring:

It was a rough showing for all of the quarterbacks during OTAs. O’Connell and Minshew performed at a comparable level and, if that remains the case throughout training camp, it makes sense to roll with the younger option as the starter.

O’Connell is only in his second season, will turn 26 in September and has more upside than Minshew, who, at 28, is headed into his sixth season in the NFL. The optimistic view is O’Connell, with more experience, could make strides toward becoming an average starter this season.

Gardner Minshew predicted to star in Week 1 by bettors

Gardner Minshew
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II (10) throws, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Per Michael David Smith with NBC Sports, sports bettors have a different opinion than the beat writer who witnessed practices this spring. They think Minshew will start in Week 1:

“Minshew is a -200 favorite to take the Raiders’ first snap in Week One, whild O’Connell is a +150 underdog at DraftKings.com.”

USATSI 22437813 168400517 lowres
Feb 3, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) participates in the AFC versus NFC Pro Bowl practice and media day at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the best takes of fans reacting to Minshew being the betting favorite for the Raiders’ QB1 job.

Free money… take AOC…

— ledtear ن (@ledtear) June 28, 2024

Minshew is an above average starting QB in the NFL. He should have a good year even with the Raiders.

— Bruce L. Dirks (@dirksbl) June 28, 2024

Tough call but I think I’ll skip this bet

— Jordan (@FRESHticles) June 28, 2024

John Madden: “When you have two quarterbacks, you have NO quarterbacks.”

— Milton Fletcher (@mfletcher530) June 28, 2024

I mean Minshew basically went 9-6, was 13th in QBR and played in the Pro Bowl pic.twitter.com/KsyLyOrwQG

— Darth Minshew (@Darth_Minshew) June 28, 2024

I mean Minshew basically went 9-6, was 13th in QBR and played in the Pro Bowl pic.twitter.com/KsyLyOrwQG

— Darth Minshew (@Darth_Minshew) June 28, 2024

nah. AO12 will be the starter- has a better arm and more upside.

— Raider Z (@RaiderZ11361754) June 28, 2024

This should 100% happen. When Anthony Richardson went down last season, Gardner minshew took over and almost helped the colts reach the playoffs. He is still a very capable QB

— Ballhogaholic (@ballhogaholic) June 28, 2024

Last season, Minshew was 305/490 (62.2%) with 6.7 yards/attempt. 15 TDs 9 INTS.

O’Connell was 213/343 (62.1%) with 6.5 yards/attempt. 12 TDs 7 INTS.

Minshew was sacked 34 times to O’Connell’s 24.
(note: Minshew rushed for 100 yards while O’Connell only rushed for 11 yards).

— NFL News (@NFLNewsNQuotes) June 28, 2024