Who Should I Start? Jarrett Stidham or Aidan O'Connell

Sunday, August 10, 10:36 AM

Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham was sharp in the team's 30-9 victory over the hosting San Francisco 49ers on Saturday in the preseason opener, going 14-for-15 passing for 136 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 36 yards on the ground on his three carries. Stidham took over for Bo Nix after the first-team offense did little with their three series, and he promptly led the Broncos to three scoring drives. Although it was a good showing for the 29-year-old signal-caller, it was against the Niners' backup defense, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million deal in March to stay in Denver as the backup to Nix, who is entrenched as the team's starter after leading the team to the playoffs in his rookie season in 2024. Stidham did not attempt a single pass last year.

Friday, August 8, 12:52 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell had an up-and-down preseason debut Thursday against the Seahawks, completing 18 of 30 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He found second-year running back Dylan Laube for a six-yard score in the third quarter but otherwise led the offense to just two field goals. O'Connell is competing to retain the backup role behind Geno Smith, but his inconsistency leaves the door open. Sixth-round rookie Cam Miller, drafted out of North Dakota State, is pushing for the job and could close the gap with a strong showing in upcoming games.