It was a short-lived stint in Sin City for Pete Carroll, who lasted just one season as Las Vegas Raiders head coach.
The Raiders started the season with an upset win on the road at New England, topping the Patriots 20-13, but then went on to lose 14 of the next 15, failing to cover in two thirds of those games while averaging a league-worst 14.2 PPG.
The addition of No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, a healthy Brock Bowers and a breakout-ready Ashton Jeanty should have them looking functional again, but this will be the fourth straight season that Las Vegas' win total is 6.5 or fewer. -- Kevin Pulsifer
Note: Odds by DK Sports
and subject to change.
2026 outlook: Reason for optimism in Sin City
We have to buy into the Raiders as a better football team in 2026, no?
Klint Kubiak is an upgrade at the head coaching spot, bringing with him an offensive system that is an ideal fit for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and Mendoza. Defined reads, play action, movement all serve to open the coverage voids for the passers, while the run game will feature both zone and gap elements for Jeanty. Let's get him going this season, because the traits are there for him to be successful.
On defense, Maxx Crosby is back, and the team spent a ton of money adding more speed through free agency. It's a start. -- Matt Bowen
Best bet: OVER 6.5 wins (+125)
The AFC West is no joke. I get it. But I took the Raiders' original win total from 5.5 to 6.5 because of the coaching, advancement in QB play and the roster turnover/upgrades.
This is a new football team, and while there should be a slight transition period to start the season in September, I'm willing to bet that Vegas finds its way to seven wins. And once Mendoza is ready to take snaps, we'll see why he went No. 1. -- Bowen
