Here's my $0.02 on how the season plays out, and I genuinely hope it goes better than this forecast.
**Week #1 vs Dolphins: WIN**. 2026 schedule is challenging, but Raiders couldn't have been setup better in week 1 with a home game vs Dolphins.
**Week #2 @ LA Chargers: LOSS**. Think the Chargers are gonna finish first in AFC West.
**Week #3 @ New Orleans: LOSS**. Saints have a rough start to the season (@ Detroit, @ Baltimore). Entirely possible they play this home opener hungry for a W.
\-To me the big Q early in the season is how Kubiak will be as HC & Playcaller. Can he handle it like Liam Coen, or will he be too busy calling the next play instead of throwing a challenge flag (like Josh McDaniels)? We should know the answer within the first few weeks.
**Week #4 vs Kansas City: LOSS**. No favors done for the Raiders weeks #2-12. Where's the cupcake home game? 7 of these 11 games are on the road, 3 of the 4 home games are against 2025 Playoff teams and 3 games are vs teams coming off Byes. Their "easiest" home game is vs KC.
**Week #5 @ New England: WIN**. Trap game for Pats coming off 2 tough road games (@ Jacksonville, @ Buffalo).
**Week #6 vs Buffalo: LOSS**
**Week #7 vs LA Rams: LOSS**. Raiders could be hosting 2027 Super Bowl teams in back-to-back weeks.
**Week #8 @ NY Jets: LOSS**. This could be a W. Nov 1 weather should be OK.
**Week #9: @ San Francisco: LOSS**
**Week #10 vs Seattle: LOSS**. Having to play NFC West not helping 2026 record.
**Week #11 @ Denver: LOSS**
**Week #12: @ Cleveland: LOSS.** Raiders lost to both of these teams at home at roughly the same point in 2025 schedule. Now both teams are coming off their Bye with potential bad/cold weather factors? Thought the Week #12 loss to the Browns (24-10) worst o' 2025 as Raiders had 13 penalties and gave up 10(!) sacks to a 5-win team.
Week #13 BYE
**Week #14 vs LA Chargers: WIN**
**Week #15 vs Denver: LOSS**
Entirely possible that Raiders go 4-1 post-bye. Mendoza also likely playing at this point.
**Week #16 vs Tennessee: WIN**
**Week #17 @ Arizona: WIN**.
Most bankable W for the Raiders this season. Cards will be in full-tank mode by Week #17 and will likely have rookie Carson Beck at QB.
**Week #18 @ Kansas City: LOSS**
Season record: 5-12