WaltNFL Team Assessment: Las Vegas Raiders
Team record, game log, power ranking, schedule, needs, draft grade, and draft pick links.
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The 2025 NFL Season – Team Record and Game Log
Season Review
Las Vegas Raiders
View Game Log from 2025 Season
| Game | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Raiders(0-0) at Patriots(0-0) | WIN | Raiders 20 – Patriots 13 |
| Chargers(1-0) at Raiders(1-0) | LOSS | Chargers 20 – Raiders 9 |
| Raiders(1-1) at Redskins(1-1) | LOSS | Raiders 24 – Redskins 41 |
| Bears(1-2) at Raiders(1-2) | LOSS | Bears 25 – Raiders 24 |
| Raiders(1-3) at Colts(3-1) | LOSS | Raiders 6 – Colts 40 |
| Titans(1-4) at Raiders(1-4) | WIN | Titans 10 – Raiders 20 |
| Raiders(2-4) at Chiefs(3-3) | LOSS | Raiders 0 – Chiefs 31 |
| Jaguars(4-3) at Raiders(2-5) | LOSS | Jaguars 30 – Raiders 29 |
| Raiders(2-6) at Broncos(7-2) | LOSS | Raiders 7 – Broncos 10 |
| Cowboys(3-5-1) at Raiders(2-7) | LOSS | Cowboys 33 – Raiders 16 |
| Browns(2-8) at Raiders(2-8) | LOSS | Browns 24 – Raiders 10 |
| Raiders(2-10) at Chargers(7-4) | LOSS | Raiders 14 – Chargers 31 |
| Broncos(10-2) at Raiders(2-10) | LOSS | Broncos 24 – Raiders 17 |
| Raiders(2-11) at Eagles(8-4) | LOSS | Raiders 0 – Eagles 31 |
| Raiders(2-12) at Texans(9-5) | LOSS | Raiders 21 – Texans 23 |
| Giants(2-13) at Raiders(2-13) | LOSS | Giants 34 – Raiders 10 |
| Chiefs(6-10) at Raiders(2-14) | WIN | Chiefs 12 – Raiders 14 |
Walt’s Latest Raiders Power Ranking
Updated 5/13/2026
at 5:05 AM
Rank: 31
Previously: 31
The Raiders will have an improved offensive line this year with Tyler Linderbaum joining the team and Kolton Miller returning from injury. However, the blocking is still suspect, and there are no offensive playmakers outside of Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. The defense will be better, but still has some major issues. On top of all of this, it sounds like Kirk Cousins will be starting a bunch of games.
2026 NFL Season – Upcoming Schedule
Schedule| Week | Opponent | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
vs
Dolphins
|
9/13/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 2 |
@
Chargers
|
9/20/2026 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 3 |
@
Saints
|
9/27/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 4 |
vs
Chiefs
|
10/4/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 5 |
@
Patriots
|
10/11/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 6 |
vs
Bills
|
10/18/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 7 |
vs
Rams
|
10/25/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 8 |
@
Jets
|
11/1/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 9 |
@
49ers
|
11/8/2026 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 10 |
vs
Seahawks
|
11/15/2026 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 11 |
@
Broncos
|
11/22/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 12 |
@
Browns
|
11/29/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 14 |
vs
Chargers
|
12/13/2026 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 15 |
vs
Broncos
|
12/20/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 16 |
vs
Titans
|
12/27/2026 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 17 |
@
Cardinals
|
1/3/2027 4:05:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 18 |
@
Chiefs
|
1/9/2027 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
Walt’s Team Needs Assessment
Needs
The Raiders need to start over once again, with their plan to pair an old head coach with an old quarterback didn’t pan out. This was predictable, though it surprised at least one ESPN “analyst.” The Raiders need wholesale changes to their offensive line and defense as well.
- Quarterback: The Raiders will be drafting Fernando Mendoza, barring a surprising turn of events. Mendoza will give the Raiders a chance of actually having a top-10 quarterback one day.
- Two Wide Receivers: Jakobi Meyers is gone. The Raiders already needed a receiver to pair with Meyers, so they now need two players at the position unless Jake Bech or Dont’e Thornton can make a big leap.
- Center: Outside of finding a franchise quarterback, the Raiders’ greatest priority is bolstering the offensive line. Center is the biggest position of weakness. Signed Tyler Linderbaum
- Right Tackle: A better bookend is needed opposite of Kolton Miller.
- Guard: Another guard is needed as well, especially if Dylan Parham leaves.
- Edge Rusher: Maxx Crosby is gone, so the Raiders won’t have any sort of pass rush. Signed Kwity Paye; re-signed Malcolm Koonce
- Two Defensive Tackles: Maxx Crosby was incredible, but the Raiders didn’t pressure the quarterback much because they have no other talent up front. Defensive tackle is a huge issue.
- Two Linebackers: The Raiders had one of the worst group of linebackers in the NFL last year. Signed Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker
- Two Cornerbacks: Eric Stokes was surprisingly solid for the Raiders last year, but he’s an impending free agent. Two new cornerbacks are needed if Stokes doesn’t re-sign.
- Safety: More secondary help. Another safety should be acquired to pair with Jeremy Chinn.
- Kicker: Daniel Carlson is an impending free agent. Signed Matt Gay
Walt’s 2026 NFL Draft – Overall Team Grade and Selection Grades
Draft Review
Walt’s Draft Grade:
C- Grade
Walt’s Grade Summary
Charlie Campbell said it best on Twitter when he opined that the Raiders’ current regime doesn’t know how to draft. He correctly pointed out that the Raiders constantly reached and neglected Mendoza. This is the opposite of what they needed to do in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Raiders have an atrocious group of receivers, yet they only addressed the position at No. 195, which could really hurt Mendoza’s development. Only one offensive lineman was acquired prior to Round 7. This was irresponsible drafting.
It wasn’t all bad for the Raiders. Keyron Crawford should be a quality edge rusher, while Jermod McCoy might be a steal. Plus, Mendoza must be factored into the equation. However, this draft, as a whole, was a huge disappointment, and Mendoza should feel very discouraged with what happened after the first round.
The Raiders have an atrocious group of receivers, yet they only addressed the position at No. 195, which could really hurt Mendoza’s development. Only one offensive lineman was acquired prior to Round 7. This was irresponsible drafting.
It wasn’t all bad for the Raiders. Keyron Crawford should be a quality edge rusher, while Jermod McCoy might be a steal. Plus, Mendoza must be factored into the equation. However, this draft, as a whole, was a huge disappointment, and Mendoza should feel very discouraged with what happened after the first round.
Draft Picks / Prospect Links
Pick 1
A
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
QB
Indiana
Rnk: 1
Scouting Report
It’s great that the Raiders didn’t listen to Dan Orlovsky and his army of 15 NFL general managers he allegedly spoke to who agreed with him that Ty Simpson was a better prospect than Fernand Mendoza. This was complete nonsense, and the Raiders made the correct choice. One of Charlie Campbell’s sources compared Mendoza to Joe Flacco with mobility, so if that holds up, the Raiders will be very happy with this pick.
Pick 38
MILLEN
Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
S
Arizona
Rnk: 420
It’s only fitting that the Raiders get a Millen grade. What a dumb selection. How do they not realize that they needed to help Fernando Mendoza? It’s fairly obvious, given the huge needs at receiver and the offensive line. Instead, the Raiders selected a 24-year-old defensive back. Nice job!
Pick 67
B-
Keyron Crawford, DE, Auburn
DE
Auburn
Rnk: 77
I guess Fernando Mendoza will have to do everything himself. Keyron Crawford is a solid pick, unlike the second-round choice. Crawford has high upside and was productive in school. Edge rusher was a need with Maxx Crosby on his way out of Las Vegas soon.
Pick 91
C
Trey Zuhn, OT, Texas A&M
OT
Texas A&M
Rnk: 266
I can’t hate too much on the Raiders drafting a lineman. However, the Raiders already have a center, and I don’t like him too much at guard. Zuhn is a terrific pass blocker and a great presence in the locker room. He has short arms, however, and he needs to impove his run blocking. I had him going much later.
Pick 101
A+
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
CB
Tennessee
Rnk: 21
Scouting Report
This is a risk, but every draft pick is a risk. If Jermod McCoy didn’t have a knee problem, he would’ve been a top-10 pick. However, his knee issue is degenerative, so he may never have a good NFL career, but there’s a chance that he’ll get over it and have a great career.
Pick 122
B
Mike Washington, RB, Arkansas
RB
Arkansas
Rnk: 67
Scouting Report
There are two sides to this pick. On one hand, I like Mike Washington as a prospect and think he should’ve gone in the third round. On the other hand, the Raiders traded up for a running back, which is one of the two positions they both need.
Pick 150
B
Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona
S
Arizona
Rnk: 0
Dalton Johnson is undersized and is an inconsistent tackler, but has great coverage skills. The Raiders need defense, and Johnson fits this range, so this is a fine pick.
Pick 175
D
Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
CB
California
Rnk: 282
Hezekiah Masses is a lengthy cornerback, but he is frail and commits lots of penalties. The Raiders should be concentrating more on offense instead of drafting seventh-round cornerbacks.
Pick 195
A
Malik Benson, WR, Oregon
WR
Oregon
Rnk: 159
Malik Benson is a speedy threat whose hands improved over his collegiate career, but happens to be a limited route runner. He could end up being a good weapon for Fernando Mendoza. I like this pick, thanks to the great value; I had Benson in the fourth round.
Pick 229
B
Brandon Cleveland, DT, N.C. State
DT
N.C. State
Rnk: 367
Brandon Cleveland is a stout run defender, but has short arms and lacking athleticism. He was seen as a seventh-round prospect, so this makes sense for the Raiders, who had to continue to add blockers.
Charlie Campbell
