Expected to draw first start

O'Connell is expected to start Sunday's matchup against the Chargers with Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion) ruled out, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

In somewhat of a surprise, O'Connell, a rookie fourth-round pick out of Purdue is set to get the starting nod over an established veteran with ample NFL experience in Brian Hoyer, who had been active as Garoppolo's top backup through the first three games of the season. Though he'll be making his regular-season debut Sunday, O'Connell was one of the top-performing quarterbacks in the preseason, as he completed 43 of 62 pass attempts (69.3 percent) for 482 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Even so, O'Connell's presence under center rather than Garoppolo's still likely amounts to at least a slight downgrade to the fantasy prospects of receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. O'Connell will get a favorable matchup Sunday, taking on the Chargers' league-worst pass defense.