The Las Vegas Raiders enter December with a new offensive voice in interim coordinator Greg Olson, a quarterback room under the microscope, and young playmakers trying to establish themselves.
Fans aren’t just watching the final stretch for entertainment; they’re looking for signs of direction, identity, and long-term promise.
December is also when expectations change quickly, especially against opponents fighting for postseason seeding. Each matchup becomes a window into where the Raiders stand now and where they might be heading.
Week 14 vs. Denver Broncos: A rivalry game that tightens expectations
Raiders fans know that no matter the record, divisional games always mean a little more. Denver brings one of the league’s most improved defenses to Allegiant Stadium, setting the stage for a revealing home test.
Many fans will be watching how Olson designs the offense around Brock Bowers’ versatility and Ashton Jeanty’s burst. Geno Smith’s familiarity with Olson (Olson was the QB coach for the Seahawks in 2023 when Smith played there) adds intrigue as well, especially if the unit shows better timing and protection than it did earlier in the year.
This is also a matchup where familiarity often shapes expectations before kickoff.
Fans following how rivalry dynamics influence projections on platforms providing NFL betting online will see that divisional opponents tend to create tighter lines, even when one side enters with a stronger record or a steadier season.
Related: Which QB prospect should the Raiders pick?
Week 15 at Philadelphia: A cold-weather test against a contender
Philadelphia offers one of the season’s toughest challenges. Their offense, powered by dynamic quarterback play and a strong run game, forces defenses to stay disciplined on every snap.
For Raiders fans, this game becomes a measuring stick for the secondary and the pass rush. The faceoff will answer questions such as whether the defense can contain big-play threats and whether the front seven can maintain pressure long enough to disrupt timing.
The elements also become part of the storyline here. December conditions in Philadelphia often influence how teams approach the game, which can in turn affect early-week expectations. Injuries also matter this time of year.
The availability of players like Maxx Crosby or Ashton Jeanty could noticeably shape how this matchup is viewed.
Week 16 at Houston: A physical road game with plenty to evaluate
Houston has emerged as one of the AFC’s most competitive defenses. This December meeting gives fans another opportunity to evaluate the progress of the Raiders’ offense under Olson.
Jeanty’s role becomes especially interesting here, as his physical running style matches up with Houston’s aggressive front.
The Texans are playing for playoff positioning, while the Raiders are focused on development. That contrast often shapes how observers interpret this matchup throughout the week.
Travel, health, and late-season fatigue also factor into how fans track the team’s outlook.
For fans looking ahead at how similar late-season situations are unfolding across the league, information on upcoming NFL games and props can provide helpful context.
Week 17 vs. New York Giants: A meeting with draft implications
This late-December matchup offers a different kind of intrigue. Both teams have spent much of the season near the bottom of the standings, and that can make December football feel unpredictable.
Fans will be watching young players, rotational changes, and how coaching decisions hint at long-term priorities. Turnovers and defensive swings could define the tone of the game more than explosive plays.
Because both teams are in similar situations, expectations leading into this matchup tend to shift as the week unfolds.
Motivation becomes harder to pin down, which makes this game one of December’s most unpredictable on the schedule.
Why December still matters for the Raiders and their fans…
Even without a playoff race, December remains meaningful. This final stretch helps the organization evaluate players, refine offensive ideas, and identify foundational pieces for 2026. Fans stay locked in because every matchup, win or lose, reveals something about the team’s future.
The evolving expectations around these games reflect that journey. December becomes less about the standings and more about discovering who the Raiders are becoming, and that storyline will carry well beyond the final whistle of the season.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images