Week 1 of the 2026 season is the start of a new era for the Las Vegas Raiders, with Klint Kubiak making his debut as head coach while having a 38-year-old starting quarterback. Of course, we all know that Kirk Cousins is just a placeholder for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. But Cousins’ presence in Las Vegas is buying the Raiders a little credibility in NFL Power Rankings heading into the campaign. Although not much, since this is widely considered year one of the rebuild in Sin City.
Bleacher Report
26. Las
Vegas Raiders
Coming off a 3-14 campaign, the Las Vegas Raiders should be able to build early momentum in their home opener against the Miami Dolphins, who are also in the early phases of a rebuild. Kirk Cousins played in new head coach Klint Kubiak’s system during his time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. He should be solid behind a revamped offensive line that features three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.
While the Raiders’ offense will be much improved, their secondary will be inexperienced and susceptible to big plays. First-time defensive coordinator Rob Leonard is a question mark. His ability to put the young defensive backs in spots to succeed could make or break the defense. — Moe Moton
As evidence to Moton’s point about Cousins, it was pretty clear in the preseason that the Raiders’ offense functioned more smoothly and efficiently with the veteran behind center. All three of the drives he led last month ended in points: a touchdown and two field goals. Obviously, things will be more difficult now that the games count, but it’s hard to argue that Cousins doesn’t give the team the best chance to win right now.
Defensively, yes, Las Vegas does have a lot of young players in the secondary, leading to plenty of question marks. However, several defensive backs were standouts during training camp to provide some optimism heading into the regular season.
The Athletic
27. Las Vegas Raiders
Mock’s projected win total: 6.2
The past two seasons did not go great for Kirk Cousins after leaving Minnesota, and this is probably his last shot as a starter. In reality, this is about how long he can hold off a switch to No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. The good news for them after camp is that Ashton Jeanty’s ankle injury wasn’t serious enough to land him on IR, but rookie edge rusher Keyron Crawford is already done for the season due to an ankle injury. — Chad Graff and Josh Kendall
The projected win total here is interesting because the gambling line has widely been set at 5.5 wins, meaning The Athletic’s model is saying to take the over. Getting the ‘W’ this weekend will be paramount for that, though, because the Raiders’ schedule toughens up with road matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints over the next two weeks. The Saints are a team to look out for in 2026 after finishing last season strong, winning five out of their last eight games.
NFL.com
29. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 31
As expected, Kirk Cousins will begin 2026 as the Raiders’ starter. It’s still safe to assume No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will see the field before long, though Cousins could delay the passing of the torch by producing quickly. Regardless, I expect Raider Nation to find some joy in the Week 1 meeting with the Dolphins, which would be nice for that fan base. — Nick Shook
Expect the Cousins-Mendoza chatter to be a talking point when it comes to the Raiders every week until the switch happens, especially if the team is losing games. As Shook points out, the Silver and Black should be able to get this one, though, because the Dolphins might have the worst roster in the NFL. But if Las Vegas gets upset on Sunday, buckle up because it’s going to be a long 17 weeks to finish out the campaign.
ESPN
27. Las Vegas Raiders
Post-draft ranking: 28
Milestone to watch: Brock Bowers can surpass Jason Witten (188) for the most receptions by a tight end under the age of 24 in NFL history.
Bowers needs only 13 catches to reach this milestone, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he did it in the season opener against the Dolphins. Bowers has recorded at least 10 receptions in a game on five occasions, most recently in Week 9 of 2025 against the Jaguars (12). He also had 13 catches against the Dolphins in Week 11 of 2024. Bowers has been QB Kirk Cousins’ go-to target throughout training camp, so expect the third-year tight end to be targeted often in Week 1. — Ryan McFadden
For context, Bowers’ birthday is Dec. 13. So, even if he doesn’t surpass Witten this weekend, the 23-year-old should be able to do it by the end of the month. That’s barring an injury, of course. Expect him to be the focal point of Kubiak’s offense, especially since the Raiders’ receiving corps leaves something to be desired.
The Ringer
26. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are proof that hiring a new head coach and drafting a quarterback can buy a franchise a healthy amount of goodwill, but I’m not buying into the hope. This roster is in a weird spot, and I don’t think this franchise has as much of a plan as its ownership lets on. Las Vegas spent above market value on multiple free agents, lost expected draft capital in the failed trade of edge rusher Maxx Crosby, and has far-below-average talent at receiver and defensive back entering the season.
The only real intrigue I see is Fernando Mendoza’s path to supplanting veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as starter. If the Raiders are 1-3 or worse after the opening month, will their supposed discipline in letting Mendoza learn from the sideline hold, or will head coach Klint Kubiak want a look at the future of his franchise sooner? — Diante Lee
This is an ‘interesting’ way to look at Las Vegas’ offseason…
Did John Spytek overspend on a handful of free agents? Sure, but he also had to because no player who was worth bringing in would take anything less than top dollar to sign with an organization that was 3-14 the year before and has had four head coaches in as many years. Also, this wording presents the Crosby trade as if the Raiders are the ones who pulled out of it. I don’t understand how that situation can be held against them.
I’ll concede the point that the Silver and Black have an underwhelming receiving corps. That goes without question, and the secondary certainly doesn’t have a lot of proven talent in it. However, the defensive backfield is filled with young players who have enormous potential. Jermod McCoy is a great example of that, and he might not even see the field much to begin the season.
I respect Lee and his opinions on the game. But, obviously, we see this situation pretty differently.
