Head to Head

Updated June 5, 2026 from live stats

Aidan O'Connell vs Gardner MinshewWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Aidan O'Connell is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 12.8 PPG to Gardner Minshew's 12.4 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Aidan O'Connell is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Aidan O'Connell edges Gardner Minshew by 0.4 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Aidan O'Connell goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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QBLas Vegas Raiders#99PPG LEADER

Aidan O'Connell

PPG

12.8

Games

Pass Yds

2,650

Pass TDs

Bye

Week 10

QBLas Vegas Raiders#99

Gardner Minshew

PPG

12.4

Games

Pass Yds

2,420

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

125

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 10

The Edge Chart

Aidan O'Connell

Gardner Minshew

Head to Head

12.8 PPG12.4 PPG

13 GP12 GP

Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 10

Fantasy Tiers

Aidan O'Connell: Tier 5 (Deep League) QB (ranked #99 at the position). Gardner Minshew: Tier 5 (Deep League) QB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Aidan O'Connell is producing at 58% of elite pace and Gardner Minshew at 56%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Aidan O'Connell vs Gardner Minshew: The Full Breakdown

The gap between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.4 PPG in 2025, this is one of those quarterback decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Aidan O'Connell averaged 12.8 PPG with the Las Vegas Raiders across 13 games, and Gardner Minshew posted 12.4 with the Las Vegas Raiders in 12.

When two quarterbacks are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Aidan O'Connell threw for 2650 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Gardner Minshew posted 2420 yards and 14 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

One thing to note: both players share a Week 10 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Aidan O'Connell (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons. Gardner Minshew (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons.

Did You Know?

•Aidan O'Connell outscored Gardner Minshew by a projected 7 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Aidan O'Connell played 13 games in 2025 compared to Gardner Minshew's 12. That durability gap means Aidan O'Connell contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Aidan O'Connell scored 16 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.2 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.
•Both players share a Week 10 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Aidan O'Connell vs Gardner Minshew: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Aidan O'Connell	Gardner Minshew
PPG (Half-PPR)	12.8	12.4
Games Played	13	12
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	166	149
Passing Yards	2,650	2,420
Passing TDs	16	14
Pass Yds/Game	203.8	201.7
Rushing Yards	68	125
Rushing TDs	0	1
Total TDs	16	15
TDs/Game	1.2	1.3
Bye Week	Week 10	Week 10

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Aidan O'Connell holds the PPG edge with serviceable output at 12.8 points per game. Gardner Minshew averaged 12.4 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Aidan O'Connell has the edge at 12.8 PPG compared to Gardner Minshew's 12.4 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew average in 2025?▾

Aidan O'Connell averaged 12.8 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 13 games in 2025. Gardner Minshew averaged 12.4 PPG over 12 games. That is a difference of 0.4 points per game.

Do Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew share a bye week?▾

Yes, both Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew share a Week 10 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at quarterback for that week.

Is Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Aidan O'Connell outscored Gardner Minshew by 0.4 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.