The Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 1 of the 2025 season with excitement and uncertainty in equal measure.
A roster built on both veteran leadership and emerging talent is ready to prove itself under the national spotlight. For fans, Week 1 is more than just the beginning of a new campaign; it’s a chance to see which players are prepared to turn potential into production.
With high expectations on both sides of the ball, several Raiders stand out as pivotal to the team’s immediate success. Four names in particular are ready to make their mark when the season kicks off.
Geno Smith: Steadying the Raiders’ Offense
Geno Smith joins the Raiders with the kind of experience and composure that can immediately stabilize the offense. His accuracy on short and intermediate throws makes him a strong fit for a system that values timing and precision.
Smith also brings mobility, giving him the ability to extend plays and keep drives alive. The Raiders need consistency under center, and Smith’s veteran presence offers precisely that.
What makes his role vital is how quickly he earns trust from the locker room. Younger players look to him for leadership, while veterans respect his resilience. Geno Smith isn’t just filling a position; he’s setting the tone for the Raiders’ Week 1 push.
Dont’e Thornton Jr: A Vertical Threat
Dont’e Thornton Jr. represents the future of the Raiders’ passing game, blending size, length, and speed into a dynamic receiving weapon.
At 6’5”, he has the frame to dominate in contested catch situations while also possessing the acceleration to stretch defenses vertically. Thornton’s ability to win on deep routes forces opposing secondaries into difficult choices, especially with Brock Bowers possibly commanding double coverage.
For fans and bettors tracking NFL Week 1 odds, Thornton is a player who can tilt matchups immediately. If defenses adjust too heavily toward Bowers, Thornton is positioned to exploit one-on-one situations and deliver explosive plays the Raiders have been missing.
Tyree Wilson: Disruption on Defense
The Raiders have relied heavily on Maxx Crosby to generate pressure, but Tyree Wilson is ready to share that load in a big way.
His combination of length, strength, and explosiveness allows him to collapse pockets from multiple positions along the defensive line. Wilson doesn’t just chase sacks; he creates chaos that forces quarterbacks into hurried throws and mistakes.
In Week 1, Wilson’s ability to command attention opposite Crosby will be critical. By drawing double teams and collapsing edges, he opens opportunities for the rest of the Raiders’ defense. His growth into a consistent pass-rushing force could transform the Raiders’ defensive identity.
Michael Mayer: A Reliable Playmaker
Michael Mayer enters 2025 poised to take a significant leap for the Raiders. The young tight end has already showcased his toughness, precise route-running, and strong hands, making him a go-to target in crucial situations.
Mayer thrives in the red zone, where his physicality and awareness create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
What elevates Mayer’s value is his dual-threat ability. He contributes as a blocker in the run game while also stretching the middle of the field as a pass catcher. With Geno Smith looking for reliable outlets, Mayer’s role becomes central to the Raiders’ offensive rhythm in Week 1 and beyond.
Setting the Tone for 2025
The Raiders’ Week 1 performance will send a message about what this team is capable of in 2025. Geno Smith brings the leadership and poise needed at quarterback, Dont’e Thornton Jr. offers a vertical spark, Tyree Wilson supplies defensive disruption, and Michael Mayer balances the offense as a versatile tight end.
Each of these players embodies the qualities the Raiders need to succeed: stability, explosiveness, relentlessness, and dependability. If they deliver early, the Raiders will not only excite their fan base but also establish themselves as serious contenders in the AFC.
Week 1 isn’t just the start of a season; it’s the chance for the Raiders to prove they are ready for the spotlight.
Related: Can The Pete Carroll-Geno Smith Duo Deliver?
*Top Photo: Getty Images