The Las Vegas Raiders, last season the NFL‘s worst team, offer an intriguing proposition for dynasty football managers due to their roster talent and organizational changes slated for 2026. With key players like Ashton Jeanty positioned for growth, and hopeful shifts in coaching and quarterback play, the team’s future in dynasty leagues is worth close evaluation.
Ashton Jeanty Emerges as a Potential Top Fantasy Running Back
Despite an underwhelming rookie year relative to his 2025 first-overall draft status, Ashton Jeanty demonstrated significant promise as a fantasy asset. Leading the league with an 84.3% opportunity share, he also captured 14.8% of targets, reflecting his role as a receiving threat out of the backfield. His efficiency on the field stood out even amid poor offensive line performance and subpar quarterback play.
At just 22 years old, Jeanty benefits from a promising situation with the Raiders, who appear to have found their franchise quarterback in Fernando Mendoza. New head coach Klint Kubiak’s offensive approach, proven successful with running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, bodes well for Jeanty’s development.
Given the Raiders’ inevitable improvements and Jeanty’s current productivity despite difficult conditions, his fantasy value could soar if the offense ranks among the NFL’s best. In such a scenario, his upside may reach a ceiling comparable to Bijan Robinson, underscoring why dynasty managers should remain optimistic about his potential.
Brock Bowers Maintains Status as Premier Tight End Prospect
Brock Bowers, who set rookie tight end fantasy records, sustained a nearly equivalent performance in his sophomore season despite a lingering PCL knee injury. His 14.7 fantasy points per game in 2025 were slightly below his rookie average of 15.5 but did not indicate decline, especially considering he was hindered physically for much of the year.
His production was further constrained by a poor supporting cast, including ineffective quarterback protection and an unstable offensive coordinator situation, highlighted by Chip Kelly’s midseason firing.
Looking ahead, Bowers is poised for improved conditions as the Raiders upgrade their offense, particularly with Mendoza’s expected arrival. This sustained excellence and projected environment keep Bowers atop dynasty tight end rankings.
Fernando Mendoza Projected as a Franchise Quarterback and Superflex Top Pick
While not officially a Raider at the writing, Fernando Mendoza is expected to be selected first overall on April 23, pending no unforeseen moves. The Indiana quarterback gained national acclaim after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten Championship in over five decades.
Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman. He helped lead the Indiana Hoosiers to their first Big Ten Championship win since 1967. He nearly led the nation with an incredible PFSN QB Impact score of 93.2 and a blue-chip draft evaluation grade. This is what a franchise quarterback looks like.
?Ian Cummings, PFSN College Football Analyst
Though not on par with Andrew Luck’s draft class, Mendoza ranks as the top quarterback prospect in 2026. His physical traits, including height, arm strength, and mobility, bear some resemblance to Justin Herbert. Mendoza excels as a poised passer who can extend plays with his legs, making him the clear favorite for the number one pick in Superflex rookie drafts.
Jack Bech’s Rookie Performance Suggests a Sell Opportunity
Jack Bech, a second-round rookie pick, failed to meet typical production benchmarks expected from receivers at his draft slot. Recording just 20 receptions for 224 yards and unable to surpass a minimal yardage threshold, his performance places him among prospects with low fantasy value moving forward.
Wide receivers who fail to reach 525 receiving yards as rookies rarely contribute meaningfully in subsequent seasons. Bech’s underperformance, relative to peers with deeper opportunity, suggests a high bust risk.
For dynasty managers, trading Bech for future mid-round draft capital in 2026 or 2027 may be the most prudent course, as his likelihood of becoming a fantasy contributor remains remote.
Dynasty Implications and the Road Ahead for the Raiders
The combined trajectories of players like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, alongside acquiring a promising quarterback in Fernando Mendoza, could mark a significant turning point for the Raiders’ dynasty landscape. Jeanty’s potential to reach a Bijan Robinson-level ceiling hinges largely on surrounding offensive improvements, while Bowers will benefit markedly from healthier conditions and a revitalized offense.
Conversely, the limited progress of prospects like Jack Bech influences management decisions around asset retention and trade strategies. The 2026 season will be pivotal as the Raiders attempt to exit the NFL’s basement and establish a foundation for sustained competitive success, making their young players key components in dynasty evaluations and long-term owner optimism.
