We’re basically a quarter into the 2025 NFL season (this 17-game thing messes with the math), so let’s take a quick review of the 3-1 Raiders and where they stand with three quarters of the season remaining.
Quick summary of the first quarter:
It was a spectacular start for the Silver and Black. They were dominant in their three wins and competitive in their one loss. Klint Kubiak has opened eyes around the NFL in his first year as a head coach. The league is watching the Raiders.
Offensive MVP:
Quarterback
Kirk Cousins. When he was signed he was expected to be a mentor and temporary placeholder before No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza took over. But Cousins, 38, isn’t showing any signs of giving up his starting job. He has thrown 11 touchdown passses and is a perfect fit for Kubiak’s offfense and he is having success with the coach like he did in Minnesota.
Defensive MVP:
Linebacker Nakobe Dean. The free-agent is flourishing in the middle of the Raiders’ defense. He has been described as the “glue” of the unit. He is a heat-seeking missile and he is a forced fumble machine. He’s always around the ball.
Rookie of the quarter:
Cornerback Zeke Masses. The fifth-round draft pick became a starter in Week 2 and hasn’t looked back. Masses has three interception and could be a candidate to be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s a playmaker.
Best surprise:
The whole operation. The Raiders went from bad to extremely competitive in a heartbeat. They are a competent, dangerous team very quickly under Kubiak.
Worst surprise:
The running game has not been good after a strong showing in Week 1. It was expected to be be improved.
Bold prediction for next quarter:
The Raiders play at the New England Patriots, host the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams and play at the New York Jets in this quarter. I see the Raiders going 2-2 in this mostly tough stretch to be 5-3 and very much in the playoff mix at midseason.
