Raiders game-by-game predictions after 2024 NFL schedule release

Week 1 at Los Angeles Chargers

The Raiders will get the first crack at a brand new Chargers team under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The matchup of the game will likely be the Chargers’ improved offensive line, bookended by Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, going up against a nasty Raiders d-line that features both Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins. Las Vegas has the edge in Week 1 due to continuity and overall strength of roster. WIN

Record: 1-0

Week 2 at Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are the cream of the crop in the AFC. Las Vegas should not go into this matchup expecting a win, but instead view it as a barometer for how much they have to improve before they can compete with the big dogs. LOSS

Record: 1-1

Week 3 vs. Carolina Panthers

Carolina should be improved this season after making significant investments to surround Bryce Young with a competent o-line and a decent cast of playmakers. The Raiders come out on top in a game that could be surprisingly low scoring. WIN

Record: 2-1

Week 4 vs. Cleveland Browns

At this point, the biggest question for this game is who is under center for the Browns? Cleveland is hoping that Deshaun Watson will be back and healthy, same with Nick Chubb. While the Browns offense is not one of the most prolific in the league, their defense is stellar. The Raiders won’t be able to keep pace if the Browns gain a lead in the first half. LOSS

Record: 2-2

Week 5 at Denver Broncos

Will the Broncos improve in the second year of Sean Payton? They may have a more established identity, but it would be a big surprise to see Denver succeed right away with rookie QB Bo Nix. The Raiders defensive line makes life hard for the rookie QB and help secure a victory. WIN

Record: 3-2

Week 6 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers will look very different on offense in 2024. Las Vegas matches up nicely against an offensive line that should feature three rookie starters. Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons aren’t enough to gain the edge over Las Vegas. Another win for the Raiders. WIN

Record: 4-2

Week 7 at Los Angeles Rams

If the Raiders are 4-2 entering Week 7, then they will feel immense pressure to keep their streak alive. The Rams boast a balanced offensive attack led by a savvy veteran QB in Matthew Stafford. This game feels like it comes down to whether or not the Rams can scramble Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell into making enough mistakes to cost them the game. LOSS

Record: 4-3

Week 8 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Raiders have talked about deploying ‘Michael Jordan rules’ against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Las Vegas does not have the horses to both slow down Mahomes and put up enough points of their own to win, barring multiple turnovers that turn into points. LOSS

Record: 4-4

Week 9 at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will be on the hunt in 2024 with a healthy Joe Burrow under center. This game feels like a game where the Raiders offense needs to show up to have a prayer of winning. Cincinnati’s defense is okay, but their offense could force the Raiders into a track meet. That’s not how Pierce wants things to go at this point in the rebuild. LOSS

Record: 4-5

Week 10 – BYE

Week 11 at Miami Dolphins

Vegas comes out of the bye with an opportunity to get back to .500 with a win. Traveling to Miami gives them the same challenge as Week 9, but ultimately more difficult due to Miami’s endless speed on offense. This game could get ugly if the Raiders defense doesn’t deliver an incredible performance. LOSS

Record: 4-6

Week 12 vs Denver Broncos

Denver comes to the desert for another matchup against the Raiders. Las Vegas desperately needs to get a win in this spot to keep their season alive. Pierce throws everything they’ve got at the Broncos and get the job done. The Raiders sweep the Broncos in 2024. WIN

Record: 5-6

Week 13 at Kansas City Chiefs

The Raiders won’t be blown out by the Chiefs in both games this year. In fact, they will probably play them close in at least one game this season. That said, it would be a huge surprise if Las Vegas could beat them in 2024 considering the upgrades Kansas City has made on offense. Raiders gets swept. LOSS

Record: 5-7

Week 14 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Entering the final stretch of the season, Las Vegas finds itself playing a slate of opponents who are roughly equal in terms of talent. The Raiders would need to run the table for a hope at a Wild Card spot. The Buccaneers are a tough opponent, but not unbeatable. Unfortunately, Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are too much for Las Vegas. LOSS

Record: 5-8

Week 15 Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons made headlines this offseason by signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft. Raheem Morris’ team will have likely gelled at this point in the season and could have a ferocious offense. QB play becomes the separator in this game, advantage Atlanta. LOSS

Record: 5-9

Week 16 Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars could be playing for their playoff lives at this point in the season. Las Vegas isn’t likely to give up under head coach Pierce, but they may not have enough answers for Trevor Lawrence and a solid Jaguars defense. LOSS

Record: 5-10

Week 17 at New Orleans Saints

The Saints feel like a middle-of-the-road team under Dennis Allen and Derek Carr. They should put up a solid fight in front of the home crowd, but Raiders fans finally get to celebrate a victory. WIN

Record: 6-10

Week 18 Los Angeles Chargers

The Raiders finish the 2024 campaign on a high note, sweeping the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. Expect this game to be closer than in Week 1, but the home crowd gives Las Vegas the edge. WIN

Final Record: 7-10