The Las Vegas Raiders have gone four seasons without finishing above .500. Even if there might be a few more lumps ahead, the drafting of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall and the hiring of Super Bowl-winning former Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as head coach hint they are finally back on the right direction.
GM John Spytek and part-owner Tom Brady are adding to the positive vibes and fresh attitude. The Raiders needed a hard reset and culture boost in their still rather new home and the offense will take over that charge from Maxx Crosby and the defense.
The Raiders are looking for more respect and wins as they navigate through their tough 2026 NFL schedule. Here's looking at and breaking down the latest challenging slate:
Las Vegas Raiders schedule 2026
Home opponents: Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Bills, Dolphins, Titans, Rams, Seahawks
Away opponents: Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Patriots, Jets, Browns, Cardinals, 49ers, Saints
Every NFL team's 2026 opponents are predetermined. Raiders' full 2026 NFL schedule with dates, times and TV networks will be updated below when the NFL schedule is announced at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14.
Week Date Opponent Kickoff time (ET) TV channel
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Raiders strength of schedule
The Raiders have the seventh-most difficult schedule in the NFL based on the combined 20-2025 winning percentage of their opponents (.529). Playing in the AFC West, where two other teams made the playoffs last season, is a big cause for that.
Toughest tests: In addition to their gauntlet of division road games, the Raiders also need to play in the mighty NFC West, hosting the Rams and Seahawks on short road trips and traveling back to the Bay to take on the 49ers. The crossover with the AFC East also brings dates with the Bills and Patriots.
Biggest breaks: The Titans and Dolphins at home are most favorable, with getting the Jets, Cardinals and Browns all on the road a close second. For Las Vegas to rise, it must beat fellow bad teams from last season.
Raiders record prediction
Over/under win total: 5.5
Bottom line: The Raiders have plenty of optimism to improve with Mendoza quarterbacking for Kubiak. After winning a combined 7 games the past two seasons, they will welcome any improvement back toward .500. The slate isn't the best in or out of the West to make a big turnaround, but they will have their best team in three years, teasing some playoff potential in 2027.
Record prediction: 5-12