Raiders Show Fight in Houston, But Draft Implications Loom Large
The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t leave Houston with a win, but they did leave with something arguably more valuable at this stage of their season: signs of real progress. In a game where they were expected to be outmatched, the Raiders went toe-to-toe with a playoff-caliber Texans squad and showed more cohesion than we’ve seen in weeks. The loss keeps them firmly in the race for the No. 1 overall pick-but if they keep playing like this, that might not last much longer.
A Strong Finish Could Complicate the Draft Picture
Let’s not get too carried away, but the idea of the Raiders winning out isn’t as far-fetched as it might’ve seemed a few weeks ago. They close the season with back-to-back home games-first against a struggling New York Giants team that’s also deep in the draft hunt, and then against a Kansas City Chiefs squad that’s down to its third-string quarterback and limping into the postseason.
If Las Vegas brings the same energy and execution they showed in Houston, a four-win finish is absolutely on the table. But here’s the catch: that kind of late-season surge could push them out of the top three in the draft order.
And with it, potentially out of range for a top quarterback prospect. It could also mean another year of the Pete Carroll-Geno Smith tandem running things, which, depending on your perspective, is either continuity or stagnation.
Still, there’s one rookie who’s making all the difference right now-and giving Raiders fans something to rally around.
Ashton Jeanty Is Doing More Than Just Flashing Talent
Let’s be clear: Ashton Jeanty probably isn’t taking home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. That’s still likely going to Cam Ward, simply by virtue of being a quarterback.
And if we’re talking pure production, Colts tight end Tyler Warren has a strong case. But when you dig into what Jeanty’s doing-and how he’s doing it-the conversation gets a lot more interesting.
Jeanty needs just 346 more yards from scrimmage over the final two games to reach 1,500 total on the season. He’s already hit double-digit touchdowns. Those numbers are impressive on their own, but they’re downright remarkable when you consider the context: he’s running behind what’s arguably the worst offensive line in football, and he’s operating in an offense led by a quarterback who’s struggled to consistently move the chains.
This isn’t just rookie production-it’s resilience. Jeanty’s been a spark plug in an offense that’s often lacked rhythm, and he’s making the most of every touch. Whether it’s bouncing off contact, showing patience behind the line, or turning checkdowns into chunk plays, he’s proving he belongs-and then some.
Time to Move On From Dylan Parham?
While Jeanty is trending up, one member of the offensive line continues to trend in the opposite direction. Dylan Parham, once seen as a promising interior piece, has become a liability.
Another week, another costly holding penalty. It’s become a pattern, and not the kind you want from a starting guard.
Parham’s contract is up soon, and the decision facing the Raiders is no longer whether they can bring him back-it’s whether they should. Based on his performance this season, the answer is leaning toward no.
He hasn’t just plateaued; he’s regressed. And that regression started before Brennan Carroll took over the offensive line duties, which makes it harder to pin on scheme or coaching.
There’s a more cost-effective, potentially more productive path forward. DJ Glaze, who’s shown flashes at tackle, could slide inside to guard opposite Caleb Rogers.
If JPJ takes over at center, that leaves the right tackle spot open for a rookie or a budget-friendly veteran to compete with Charles Grant. It’s a reshuffle that could stabilize the line without breaking the bank-and at this point, Glaze might already be as dependable as Parham has been.
The Bottom Line
The Raiders are in an interesting spot. They’re playing better football, but that improvement could come at the cost of prime draft position.
Ashton Jeanty is emerging as a legitimate offensive weapon, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. And the offensive line, still a major concern, might be due for a shakeup this offseason-starting with letting Dylan Parham walk.
There’s still football left to be played, and the final two weeks will say a lot about where this franchise is headed. Whether they’re building momentum or just playing themselves out of a top pick, one thing’s clear: the Raiders aren’t going quietly.