The opponents have been known for quite some time, but the order’s very important. Thankfully for the Las Vegas Raiders, the team will not need to travel internationally. However, many fans are hopeful for a Mexico City or Australia appearance in the near future. On top of that, the Raiders have no primetime games on their schedule.
Although the Silver and Black look to start another declining veteran quarterback in 2026, this time there is a promising backup option. Fernando Mendoza brings hope and potential at the position that Raider Nation has desperately yearned for. In addition, Klint Kubiak drastically raises the floor of this franchise. This is a realistic prediction of this year’s Raiders regular season record.
Week 1: Miami Dolphins (1-0)
Malik Willis will have his Miami debut against Las Vegas in Allegiant Stadium. After trading away Jaylen Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill, Willis does not have many weapons to throw to. Maxx Crosby and the many defensive additions will cause havoc and open up the season with a win.
Week 2: Los Angeles Chargers (1-1)
Despite not making a deep playoff run, the Chargers have a very talented roster. The offensive line will be healthy again and Omarion Hampton will be rejuvenated as well. This team has a lot better talent and chemistry than Vegas.
Week 3: New Orleans Saints (2-1)
The Tyree Wilson revenge game. After a trade during the 2026 NFL Draft, the former seventh overall pick will face this team for the first time in his career. For the most part, New Orleans has many holes along their roster and youth is a real concern.
Week 4: Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)
Patrick Mahomes is expected to play at the start of the season. It will be a difficult matchup against a team looking to forget about their 2025 campaign.
Week 5: New England Patriots (2-3)
Although Las Vegas was successful in the previous matchup, New England is coming off of a Super Bowl appearance. They will be seeking revenge.
Week 6: Buffalo Bills (2-4)
Another tough matchup going against Josh Allen. The coaching staff has been dismantled, but Allen is one of the best players in the NFL.
Week 7: Los Angeles Rams (2-5)
One of the toughest four-game stretches of any schedule leads to another loss. The Rams are considered one of the Super Bowl favorites this season. On top of that, Davante Adams will have a chip on his shoulder for this game.
Week 8: New York Jets (3-5)
Will Geno Smith flip off Raider fans once again? This is a matchup many members of Raider Nation will have circled. This is a needed win for Las Vegas.
Week 9: San Francisco 49ers (4-5)
The Battle of the Bay finally returns. The first regular season game against the rival franchise since the Raiders Las Vegas move. The 49ers are a competitive team, but health is always a major concern. Because it is deep into the NFL season, there could be multiple injuries by this time.
Week 10: Seattle Seahawks (5-5)
A shocker, but a real possibility. Kubiak knows this roster like the back of his hand. Coaching will be the biggest factor in this matchup.
Week 11: Denver Broncos (5-6)
This is an away game with high elevation. Denver also has an amazing defense with the ability to shut down Brock Bowers and rush the quarterback. Without a playoff injury to Bo Nix, the Broncos could have been in the Super Bowl.
Week 12: Cleveland Browns (6-6)
Who is the starting quarterback in Cleveland? The team wants Deshaun Watson to start, but ironically drafted another quarterback in Taylen Green. At this instant, Raiders will have a huge decision to make during the bye week. Should the rookie take over as the starter?
Week 14: Los Angeles Chargers (6-7)
Chargers are on a hunt to be competitive this season. In addition, this could easily be the first NFL start for the 2026 number one overall pick.
Week 15: Denver Broncos (7-7)
Obviously, the history runs deep with these two franchises. Las Vegas will not go another season being swept in the season series by Denver.
Week 16: Tennessee Titans (8-7)
Cam Ward is entering his sophomore season, but the personnel around him is more of the same. This will be an interesting matchup to say the least.
Week 17: Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
Arizona has one of the least talented rosters in the NFL. The main focal point in this game will be the running backs. Ashton Jeanty will face up against Jeremiyah Love for the first time.
Week 18: Kansas City Chiefs (9-8)
If the Raiders are lucky, Kansas City will have their playoff seeding already wrapped up. However, a hungry team at Arrowhead Stadium is a scary sight.
In reality, this will be a tough gauntlet to complete this season. Sin City has one of the most difficult schedules to face this season. However, every game is set for a Sunday and there are no international games. This allows for continuity for multiple months.
How many games will the Raiders win this season?
*Top Photo: Courtesy of NFL.com