Silver And Black Pride
The Las Vegas Raiders underwent another offseason that was full of changes, starting from the top with head coach Pete Carroll set to make his Silver and Black regular-season debut against one of his former clubs, the New England Patriots, in Week 1. While change was necessary after a 4-13 campaign a year ago, the uncertainty leads to mixed reviews among the media when it comes to the NFL power rankings.
18. Las Vegas Raiders
Tired of being the oldest guy on the team, Pete Carroll signed wide receiver Amari Cooper last week, bringing Cooper back to where he started his NFL career in 2015. (Our apologies to Cooper and Carroll, and, well, all of you, for that joke.) Still, the Raiders are thin at wide receiver, and Jakobi Meyers has requested a trade. Geno Smith might just have to be happy with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, and why wouldn’t he be? — Josh Kendall
Right now, all signs are pointing toward Meyers playing in Las Vegas this season despite his recent trade request. That gives the offense and Smith a decent receiving corps to work with, but the Raiders are relying on a few wild cards like Tre Tucker taking the next step, what Cooper has left in the tank and how quickly rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. can catch on in the NFL.
20. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders enter the 2025 season hoping to erase those moments of bumbling incompetence from a year ago. While Pete Carroll’s Seahawks teams were always weird, they were not the specific kind of weird that was the 2024 Raiders. No identity. Frazzled decision making. The one bright spot is that most teams didn’t double their rookie tight end. While my personal jury is out on Ashton Jeanty over taking one of the anchor tackles in the first round and one of the big-time backs in the second, I have faith that Chip Kelly can make it look right. — Conor Orr
Antonio Pierce’s crew ranked dead last in rushing last year, which should dramatically change under Kelly. The former Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers head coach ranked first, ninth, 14th and fourth in total rushing yards during his four years in the league (2013-2016). That, on top of getting the best running back in college football last year, justifies Orr’s faith in Kelly and Las Vegas’ offense moving forward.
22. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders will be a fun watch this season.
With offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, quarterback Geno Smith, All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, they’re capable of scoring in bunches.
Battle-tested veteran wideouts Jakobi Meyers—pending his contract situation—and Amari Cooper should mix well with Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tre Tucker and Jack Bech. If the offensive line group is solid, this team can be top-12 in scoring....
