The Raiders’ 2-0 start has changed the mood in Las Vegas fast. What looked like a season built around patience and gradual progress suddenly comes with a real opportunity to stack wins, and the next three games will tell a lot about how far Klint Kubiak’s team can push this thing.
The road begins in New Orleans, where the Saints will ride the energy of their home opener after a comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Superdome should be loud, and Tyler Shough has looked good while Brandon Staley’s defense has handled the pass well.
Even so, the Saints have been streaky, and their run defense has been a problem. That gives Las Vegas a path, especially after a rough Week 2 showing from its own rushing attack.
The Raiders have been steadier so far, and this feels like a chance for a bounce-back performance away from home.
Prediction: Raiders win 28-17
Record: 3-0
Week 4 brings the tougher test, and it comes right at home against Kansas City. The Chiefs look back to being the Chiefs, only now they have a real ground game with Kenneth Walker III and Emmett Johnson helping Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid control the flow.
Mahomes showed in Week 2 that he can still light it up, and Reid’s play-calling could create problems for Rob Leonard’s defense. Kansas City’s own defense has been uneven, but if the offense keeps the ball and dictates the pace, it can disrupt Las Vegas’ rhythm.
This one should be tight, but the Raiders may come up just short.
Prediction: Chiefs win 26-21
Record: 3-1
Then comes Week 5 at New England, and the Patriots don’t exactly inspire fear. Their defense has been solid, but it has done its best work against Drew Lock and an ancient Aaron Rodgers.
Without A.J. Brown, the offense is still basically what it was last year, and Drake Maye has looked like he has taken a step back or lost his touch early.
New England’s defense is still strong, but Kubiak already showed he can find ways to attack it in the Super Bowl, and that edge could matter again. Josh McDaniels also crumbled against the Raiders last year, and the expectation here is that it happens again in 2026.
Prediction: Raiders win a low-scoring game
That would leave Las Vegas at 4-1, and while that might still sound a little ambitious, it doesn’t feel absurd after the way the season has opened. The bigger picture is simple: none of these matchups should turn into a runaway. The Raiders are headed for three competitive games, and in the NFL, knowing how to win is half the battle.
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For the Raiders, the timing adds another layer to a player they view as a potential future face of the franchise. Mendoza is expected to spend much of his first NFL season in a backup role, but he is already building a profile that extends well past the depth chart. If his on-field rise takes time, his off-field brand is moving fast, and Las Vegas has a young quarterback whose path may be unfolding in more ways than one. [Read more 🡒]