What December Football Means for the Raiders: Rivalries, Evaluations, and a Glimpse Into the Future
The Las Vegas Raiders are stepping into December with more questions than answers-but also with opportunity. With interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson now steering the offense, a quarterback room still under the microscope, and a handful of young playmakers trying to prove they belong, this final stretch of the season isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about identity.
For fans, December football in Vegas isn’t just background noise to the holiday season. It’s a proving ground.
Every snap, every series, every adjustment tells us something about where this team is heading. And with three very different matchups on the horizon, the Raiders are about to get a crash course in who they are-and who they might become.
Week 14 vs. Denver Broncos: A Familiar Foe, a Fresh Test
Divisional games always hit different, and Raiders-Broncos is no exception. No matter the records, no matter the playoff picture, there’s an edge to this rivalry that raises the stakes. This time around, Denver comes into Allegiant Stadium with one of the league’s most improved defenses-a unit that thrives on creating pressure and forcing mistakes.
That puts the spotlight squarely on Olson’s offensive design and how he deploys his young weapons. Brock Bowers’ versatility as a tight end who can stretch the field or create mismatches underneath gives the Raiders options. Pair that with Ashton Jeanty’s burst out of the backfield, and you’ve got a pair of playmakers who could help reshape the offensive identity.
Then there’s Geno Smith. His past connection with Olson-who coached him in Seattle back in 2023-adds a layer of familiarity that could smooth out the operation. Timing, protection, and rhythm have all been inconsistent this season, but this matchup offers a real chance to show growth.
And for those tracking the game through a betting lens, divisional matchups like this one tend to tighten the lines. Familiarity breeds unpredictability, and even when one team looks better on paper, rivalry games rarely follow the script.
Week 15 at Philadelphia Eagles: A Measuring Stick Game
If Denver is a rivalry litmus test, Philadelphia is a reality check. The Eagles bring one of the NFL’s most complete offenses-dynamic quarterback play, a physical run game, and a scheme that forces defenses to stay honest on every down.
For the Raiders, this game is all about the defense. Can the secondary hold up against big-play threats?
Can the front seven generate enough pressure to disrupt timing? This is the type of matchup that tells you what your defense is made of.
Weather could also play a role. December in Philly isn’t exactly a warm welcome, and conditions often dictate how both teams approach the game. Add in the health of key players-like Maxx Crosby or Jeanty-and you’ve got a matchup where availability could swing expectations dramatically.
This isn’t just a tough opponent. It’s a barometer. A chance to see how the Raiders stack up against one of the league’s elite.
Week 16 at Houston Texans: Physical Football With Developmental Stakes
Houston has quietly built one of the AFC’s most competitive defenses, and they’ll be playing for playoff position. The Raiders? They’re playing for development-and that contrast makes this matchup fascinating.
Ashton Jeanty’s running style becomes a focal point here. He’s a physical back with the kind of downhill aggression that could test Houston’s front. With Olson continuing to shape the offense, this is another opportunity to evaluate how the scheme adapts to tough, playoff-caliber defenses.
Road games in December are always a grind. Travel, health, and late-season fatigue can all play a role. For fans, this game offers a clear window into the team’s resilience and how younger players respond when the lights are still bright-even if the postseason isn’t on the line.
Week 17 vs. New York Giants: Draft Implications and Developmental Drama
By the time Week 17 rolls around, the postseason picture will be clearer-but for the Raiders and Giants, this one could be more about the future than the standings.
Both teams have spent much of the year near the bottom of the table, and that creates a different kind of intrigue. This isn’t about playoff positioning-it’s about player evaluation, coaching decisions, and hints at long-term priorities.
Expect to see rotational changes, young players getting extended looks, and maybe even some experimentation on both sides of the ball. Turnovers and defensive swings could end up defining the game more than explosive plays.
Motivation can be a moving target in games like this. That’s what makes it one of the most unpredictable matchups on the calendar. But it’s also the kind of game that reveals what kind of culture is being built behind the scenes.
Why These Games Still Matter
Sure, the Raiders aren’t in the thick of the playoff hunt. But that doesn’t mean these games are meaningless. Far from it.
December is when teams start laying the foundation for the future. It’s when young players prove they belong, when coaching staffs test new ideas, and when front offices begin to identify which pieces are worth building around for 2026 and beyond.
Fans know this. That’s why they’re still locked in. Because every week offers a new clue about what the next version of the Raiders might look like.
So no, the stakes aren’t about seeding or Super Bowl dreams. They’re about identity.
About growth. About finding out who this team really is-and who they want to be.
And in the NFL, that might be the most important kind of football there is.