Las Vegas often symbolizes hope and fresh starts. This year, the Raiders bring renewed optimism with new faces that might signal the end of their rebuilding phase in Sin City.
Last Year’s Struggles
The Raiders ended the 2025 season at the bottom of their division, with a disappointing 3–14 record. They secured the top spot in the draft. Notably, tight end Brock Bowers and pass rusher Maxx Crosby displayed individual excellence, keeping games engaging. However, offensive challenges plagued the team, resulting in a league-low 241 points. Failure to protect the ball, secure road victories, and achieve consistent quarterback performance led to the quick exit of head coach Pete Carroll after the season.
“Reality struck hard for the Raiders last season, but changes are underway.” — Tom Brady
Offseason Changes
To revamp the offense, the Raiders appointed Klint Kubiak, a former offensive coordinator for the Seahawks and Vikings, as head coach. With a proven track record, Kubiak aims to unlock the potential in the team’s skilled players. The quarterback room saw significant changes with the signing of Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, and the drafting of top prospect Fernando Mendoza. Garner Minshew’s time with the Raiders ended as Cousins and Mendoza lead the charge.
Cousins was named the starting quarterback, yet Mendoza remains a crucial part of future plans for the Raiders, as outlined by Kubiak and general manager John Spytek during a press conference.
Current Roster and Strategy
Offensively, the team gains stability with Cousins at the helm and an enhanced interior offensive line. This provides support for All-Pro tight end Bowers, Michael Mayer, and receiver Tre Tucker, offering more potential for effective gameplay compared to the previous season. Meanwhile, Mendoza is set to develop into a key player. Ashton Jeanty, another promising player, is expected to benefit from having a dependable quarterback and more structured play-calling.
On the defensive side, Crosby returns to lead the pass rush after a brief trade period. With new additions like Kwity Paye up front and a revamped linebacker lineup featuring Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, the defense looks to improve substantially. Strong secondary performances from Taron Johnson and others will be critical in handling complex passing attacks.
Betting Outlook and Predictions
This season, the Raiders aim to improve their performance compared to last year’s struggles. While expecting a playoff berth might be ambitious due to strong division rivals like the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs, progress is certainly attainable.
Whether they surpass the 5.5 wins barrier is uncertain. Kirk Cousins had a challenging stint in Atlanta, similar in composition to the Raiders, raising doubts about potential success. However, Kubiak’s coaching skills might turn the tide. Mendoza is poised to step up if Cousins falters.
Ashton Jeanty, expected to shine, could exceed his past performance of five rushing touchdowns, potentially scoring over 7.5 this year. A target of more than 974.5 rushing yards seems feasible if given consistent game time, despite potential deficits. Kubiak’s strategy might focus on ball control, offering Jeanty ample opportunities to excel.
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