The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a pivotal 2025 season marked by significant organizational changes and renewed hope for competitiveness in a challenging AFC West. The 2024 season was a stark disappointment, beginning with an initial 2-2 record that included a noteworthy victory over the Baltimore Ravens. However, the season quickly spiraled downward, culminating in a dismal 2-11 stretch and the team’s lowest win total since 2018. The Raiders’ decision to retain interim head coach Antonio Pierce proved unsuccessful as both the offense and defense experienced regression, leading to his dismissal at the end of the season.
The Raiders’ ownership responded decisively to the disappointing season, initiating a comprehensive overhaul of the franchise. The most notable change was the hiring of Pete Carroll, a Super Bowl-winning coach with an impressive 14-year tenure (2010-2023) as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll’s experience and proven track record are expected to bring stability and a winning culture to the Raiders. In addition to Carroll, the Raiders brought in John Spytek, formerly the assistant general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to serve as the team’s new general manager. Spytek’s expertise in player evaluation and roster construction is anticipated to complement Carroll’s coaching acumen.
The Raiders’ new leadership team wasted no time in reshaping the roster, making several key acquisitions before the 2025 NFL Draft. A significant move involved a reunion between Carroll and veteran quarterback Geno Smith. The Raiders traded a third-round draft pick to acquire Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler who previously thrived under Carroll’s guidance in Seattle. Smith’s arrival is expected to provide a steady and experienced presence at the quarterback position.
The Raiders also addressed their defensive needs in free agency, signing several players who are likely to become starters. Linebackers Devin White and Elandon Roberts were brought in to bolster the team’s run-stopping and pass-rushing capabilities. Safety Jeremy Chinn was added to improve the secondary’s coverage skills, and cornerback Eric Stokes was acquired to strengthen the team’s pass defense. These defensive additions are intended to address the shortcomings that plagued the Raiders’ defense in 2024.
The Raiders focused heavily on offense in the 2025 NFL Draft, using their early picks to acquire potential playmakers. In the first round, the Raiders selected running back Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic ball carrier with the potential to become a focal point of the team’s rushing attack. In the second round, the Raiders drafted wide receiver Jack Bech, a versatile pass catcher who could contribute both in the slot and on the outside. These offensive additions are expected to inject new life into a Raiders offense that struggled mightily in 2024.
The Raiders already possess established stars on both sides of the ball. Tight end Brock Bowers is a dynamic receiving threat who can create mismatches against opposing defenses. Defensive end Maxx Crosby is a relentless pass rusher who consistently disrupts opposing quarterbacks. The presence of these key players provides a solid foundation for the Raiders’ rebuild.
Despite the significant changes and additions, the Raiders face an uphill battle in the highly competitive AFC West. All three other teams in the division – the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos – made the playoffs in 2024. The Raiders’ success in 2025 will depend on their ability to close the gap on these division rivals.
USA TODAY Sports has released its record prediction for the Raiders in the 2025 season, projecting a 6-11 record. While this represents an improvement over the team’s 2024 performance, it still falls short of playoff contention. The prediction acknowledges the Raiders’ expected improvement on both sides of the ball, particularly on offense. The additions of Smith, Jeanty, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly are expected to revitalize the team’s scoring output, which ranked near the bottom of the league in 2024.
However, the prediction also highlights the challenges posed by the Raiders’ division and schedule. The AFC West is considered one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, and the Raiders will face a difficult slate of opponents. Road games against the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders are expected to be particularly challenging.
The Raiders’ struggles in AFC West play in 2024, where they went winless for the first time since 2006, are also a cause for concern. The prediction suggests that the Raiders will manage to secure at least one win against a division opponent in 2025. Home games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns are identified as potential opportunities for victories. A matchup against the New England Patriots, who are undergoing a rebuild, is also seen as a winnable game.
Despite the expected improvement, the prediction concludes that the Raiders are still at least one more offseason away from achieving a winning record and playoff contention. The team’s success in 2025 will depend on the performance of their new acquisitions, the development of their young players, and their ability to compete against their division rivals.
The full list of Raiders’ opponents for the 2025 season has been released, providing a clearer picture of the challenges that lie ahead. The Raiders’ schedule includes a mix of tough road games and potentially winnable home contests. The team’s ability to navigate this challenging schedule will be a key factor in determining their overall success in 2025.
The Raiders’ organization and fans are hopeful that the changes made this offseason will lead to a significant improvement in the team’s performance. The combination of Pete Carroll’s coaching expertise, John Spytek’s roster-building skills, and the influx of new talent on both sides of the ball could potentially transform the Raiders into a competitive force in the AFC West. However, the Raiders still face a number of challenges, including a tough division, a demanding schedule, and the need for their new players to quickly adapt to their roles. The 2025 season will be a crucial test for the Raiders, as they seek to establish a foundation for future success. The Raiders new front office has placed great value in the draft, so look for the team to continue to build and develop talent from within. The 2025 NFL Draft has the potential to serve as a major catalyst for the Raiders’ long-term growth.
