Sportsnaut
The Las Vegas Raiders finished last season 4-13, prompting the organization to make a much-needed regime change. With Tom Brady, Pete Carroll, John Spytek and quarterback Geno Smith now spearheading the franchise, there’s more optimism in Las Vegas heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Let’s dive into our game-by-game Raiders predictions for this season.
It typically takes longer for offenses to get settled early in the season, providing an early advantage to teams that are carried by their defense. That’s the issue for the Raiders in the Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. With the Raiders’ offense still getting a feel for Chip Kelly’s system, New England’s interior defensive line and secondary will thrive. Smith does what he can, and Maxx Crosby will wreak havoc on the Patriots’ offense, but it won’t be enough as Las Vegas drops the regular-season opener.
Read More: Ranking NFL Rookie of the Year Candidates 2025, see where Raiders’ Rookies Land
The Raiders essentially play two home games against the Los Angeles Chargers this season, with this one coming at Allegiant Stadium. Los Angeles did suffer a massive blown in training camp with All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater suffering a season-ending torn patellar tendon. That moves Joe Alt over from the right side, which gives Crosby a huge advantage. He’ll sack Justin Herbert twice, but the Chargers’ defense and a big performance by Ladd McConkey will propel Los Angeles to the win.
The good news for Las Vegas is that its offense will start delivering more explosive plays in Week 3. Operating from a cleaner pocket, Geno Smith will have more time to pepper Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers with targets, leading to the Raiders’ first four-touchdown game of the season. However, Las Vegas is poorly equipped to defend against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders’ offense. The inability to stop the pass will drop the Raiders to 0-3.
Related: Worst NFL Rosters 2025, including the Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas will rebound from its 0-3 start by getting its first win of the season versus the Chicago Bears. This is another matchup where the Raiders’ opponent isn’t particularly well-equipped to generate a lot of pressure on Smith, nor is Chicago especially stout against the run. Both bode well for the Raiders’ offense, which builds upon its performance against Washington to deliver Pete Carroll’s first win with the franchise.
After a rough start to the season, the Raiders’ schedule provides an opportunity for a quick turnaround. Traveling to face the Indianapolis Colts, Las...
