Las Vegas Raiders Face AFC West Challenges, Seek NFL Turnaround

The Las Vegas Raiders have undergone significant changes in the 2025 offseason, including the hiring of head coach Pete Carroll and acquiring quarterback Geno Smith, aiming to improve their struggling team. Despite these moves and a celebrated draft class, some analysts, like ESPN's Mike Clay, project only modest improvement with a predicted 6.3 win total and a potential No. 3 overall draft pick in 2026, which could help secure a franchise quarterback in the future. The Raiders' early schedule features critical divisional matchups, including a pivotal week two home game against the Los Angeles Chargers, coached by Jim Harbaugh, intensifying an existing rivalry that will influence the AFC West standings. Last season, the Raiders failed to win any games against AFC West rivals, notably being swept by the Denver Broncos, a team that improved defensively and boasts a promising quarterback in Bo Nix, making their Week 10 Thursday Night Football game another key challenge. The Raiders' defense, strengthened by additions like Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, will be tested by the Broncos' elite defense, emphasizing the importance of disrupting Nix's play. Overall, while short-term success may be limited, the Raiders' strategic offseason moves and draft position offer hope for long-term improvement.