The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2025 season with a retooled coaching staff, a fresh offensive identity, and several early tests that could define their campaign. With Pete Carroll now in charge and Geno Smith behind center, the team’s first six matchups offer both betting intrigue and insight into how quickly the new system will click.
From cross-country road trips to marquee home games, there are plenty of angles to examine in the opening stretch. Understanding the context behind each game helps bettors interpret movement and anticipate value without chasing noise.
Assessing Matchups and Travel in Weeks 1–3
The first three games each pose unique challenges: two on the road, one at home, and all against teams in transition.
Week 1 vs New England – 09/07
Opening on the road in Foxborough creates questions about how quickly the Raiders can execute under pressure. A new-look Las Vegas offense may struggle to start fast. Bettors should monitor team total unders or early drive props, especially if weather becomes a factor in Massachusetts.
Week 2 vs Los Angeles (Monday Night) – 09/15
The home opener kicks off on Monday at 7 PM PDT as part of the Monday Night Football slate. The primetime spotlight offers a national stage for Las Vegas to debut its revamped offense. While not tied to an international slot, the late evening timing still adds a layer of preparation complexity, especially for a division rival.
Los Angeles arrives with questions on defense, particularly against the run, an area where rookie Ashton Jeanty could make an early impact. For bettors, early player props and rushing totals may offer value if Jeanty sees heavy usage.
Week 3 vs Washington – 09/21
Back on the road against a rebuilding Commanders squad, this is a classic trap spot. If Las Vegas enters at 1–1, this could be a market overcorrection game. Washington’s defense, especially its line, could disrupt timing, but offensive inefficiency remains a concern. If the line moves toward Las Vegas during the week, monitor injury reports closely before making a call.
Those following NFL news will want to focus on how teams handle heavy travel schedules. A heavy schedule can disrupt even the most well-prepared team. Furthermore, note that unexpected roster moves or player workload updates could shift the line late.
Home-Field Impacts and Situational Angles in Weeks 4–6
Back-to-back home games sandwich a visit to Indianapolis, offering a good look at how this roster handles consistency and expectation.
Week 4 vs Chicago – 09/28
This matchup could see the highest handle among early-season games. Chicago’s dynamic offense, led by an improved quarterback room and elite receiver group, presents a shootout scenario. The Raiders’ secondary will be tested, which makes this contest a total bettors’ focus.
For those betting on the Las Vegas Raiders’ odds, this is one of the more volatile spots. Books may overinflate scoring potential, but the real edge could lie in adjusted team totals and first-half wagers.
Week 5 vs Indianapolis – 10/05
This one profiles as a letdown spot. Coming off a highly emotional game and heading into a quieter matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium, it’s worth watching how the Raiders handle tempo and fatigue. Indianapolis has an underrated defense that thrives on limiting big plays. Unders, player reception props, and alternate spreads could offer more value here than full-game moneyline betting.
Week 6 vs Tennessee – 10/12
Returning home, Las Vegas faces a Titans squad built around ball control. The run-first approach and clock management make this a live underdog risk, especially if the Raiders fail to capitalize early. If Jeanty finds rhythm, expect the Raiders to control tempo. In-play wagering becomes valuable if the Titans stall on early drives, which often happens when facing teams with gap discipline on defense.
A Crucial Window for Raiders Backers
If you’re following the Raiders’ early season from a betting angle, it’s less about bold predictions and more about understanding how structure affects performance. The first six games are about rhythm, matchups, and travel, not hype or headlines. Keeping tabs on scheme development, injury reports, and timing shifts will offer the clearest insight into how this team should be approached during this window.
*Top Photo: Getty Images