HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — NFL coaches won’t ever low cost the worth of a victory, regardless of the opponent, however it's about to get actual for the s.
Las Vegas, recent off Sunday's y over the g Miami Dolphins, is preparing for a six-game stretch in opposition to opponents who might reveal precisely the place the Raiders are of their rebuild.
That begins Sunday on the Los Angeles Chargers, adopted by matchups with New Orleans, Kansas Metropolis, New England, Buffalo and the Los Angeles Rams. The video games in opposition to the Chargers, Saints and Patriots are on the highway.
“You find out about everyone on this strain cooker that we work in, and that’s what makes the NFL so enjoyable,” coach Klint Kubiak mentioned. “So, sure, there’s a tricky stretch arising as a result of that’s what the NFL is, however we simply attempt to look one sport at a time.”
A number of the Week 1 outcomes may not point out the energy of the Raiders' upcoming opponents.
4 of the six groups which might be subsequent up on the Raiders' schedule misplaced their openers, and the Chiefs have been internet hosting Denver on Monday night time. However the Chargers received 11 video games every of the previous two years, the Saints have been a 2-point conversion away from beating Detroit, the Patriots performed within the Tremendous Bowl final season, and the Rams went into the season because the favorites to win all of it.
The Payments and Chiefs are additionally among the many Tremendous Bowl favorites and may problem a Raiders group that went 3-14 final season.
There may be hope in Las Vegas that higher days are forward, and sportsbooks give the Raiders a consensus 6 1/2-win complete. Kubiak confirmed his offensive creativity in opposition to the Dolphins, a component that has been lacking in latest seasons in Las Vegas. Kirk Cousins threw three landing passes and Ashton Jeanty produced 147 yards dashing and receiving.
Las Vegas' protection additionally is likely to be higher than anticipated. The Raiders dominated the road of scrimmage, sacking Malik Willis 5 instances and holding De'Von Achane — who rushed for 1,350 yards in 2025 — to 36 yards on 11 carries.
The sport, nonetheless, additionally highlighted a few of the Raiders' considerations. Cousins didn't take a look at the Dolphins deep, and the offense dried up within the fourth quarter with simply 3 yards and two first downs.
“Simply general, I believed (we) simply misplaced our steam,” Kubiak mentioned. “That being mentioned, we put ourselves in good place within the first half, and we simply received to play 4 quarters of soccer. Was actually happy the best way our protection performed 4 quarters of soccer.”
The Raiders can't afford dangerous quarters on this upcoming slate, however the franchise appears to provide you with an surprising win each season. Las Vegas received at New England final season, at Baltimore in 2024 and at Kansas Metropolis in 2023.
Possibly there can be one other such win coming quickly. Both manner, the Raiders may have a a lot better thought of the place they stand by the point November arrives.
Contents
What’s working
The offensive line was statistically the NFL's worst final season, however it figured to be higher after including three-time Professional Bowl middle Tyler Linderbaum and left guard Spencer Burford. The Raiders additionally received again standout left deal with Kolton Miller from an ankle harm final 12 months.
To this point, so good. Cousins wasn't sacked and was seldom pressured, and Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. mixed to hurry for 143 yards with a 4.8-yard common.
What wants assist
Cousins threw two passes that regarded misplaced for a 15-year veteran quarterback who in any other case performed effectively. Each passes have been intercepted, permitting Miami to remain inside vary of the Raiders.
Top off
The Raiders' particular groups had an off 12 months final season. That seems to be a one-year anomaly. Dylan Laube had kickoff returns of 45 and 50 yards, Malik Benson introduced again a punt 23 yards, AJ Cole averaged 63.3 yards per punt and Matt Homosexual made each subject aim makes an attempt.
Inventory down
Kubiak wasn't happy with how the Raiders ended the sport, and the fourth quarter wasn't good. Take away the ultimate drive when the group knelt down, Las Vegas punted 3 times and had an interception.
Accidents
TE Brock Bowers (knee) and CB Darien Porter (foot) are daily, Kubiak mentioned.
Key quantity
75% — The Raiders' red-zone landing price. Las Vegas went 3 for 4, and the drive that didn't finish in a TD nonetheless produced a subject aim. Las Vegas was twenty sixth final season with a 50% conversion price.
Subsequent steps
The Raiders go to the AFC West rival Chargers on Sunday.
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