The Las Vegas Raiders took care of business in Week 1
, beating the Miami Dolphins 27-13. However, this was one of the few games the Raiders were expected to win heading into the season, so it’s no surprise that they didn’t climb up most NFL Power Rankings in the Week 2 roundup. That being said, a couple of outlets had Las Vegas falling despite the two-possession victory.Sports Illustrated
28. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 27
The Raiders beat the worst team in the NFL in the season opener. The good? We saw a revival from
talent that was drafted highly in the 2025 draft and was all but abandoned by the previous regime. The bad news? They are getting a hella pissed off Chargers team coming off the most embarrassing loss of the inaugural weekend. — Conor Orr
I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around how the Raiders fell in Orr’s rankings when the only explanation is centered around a game that hasn’t happened yet. Don’t get me wrong, beating the Dolphins isn’t a significant accomplishment. However, how are you saying that the talent the team drafted last year is finally starting to show through while suggesting the coaching staff has improved, and still have the team drop in the rankings? Las Vegas should at least stay the same, in my opinion.
For reference, Orr had the Chargers dropping from 10 to 17 after losing to the Cardinals, who leapfrogged the Raiders (30 to 26). Arizona’s ascension is likely the reason for Vegas’ drop, but that’s not clear or stated in the analysis.
ESPN
28. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 27
Non-QB newcomer debut: Edge Kwity Paye
The Raiders have been searching for a secondary pass rusher to support All-Pro Maxx Crosby. Paye, who signed a three-year deal in free agency, showed Sunday that he could fill that role with two sacks, five pressures and five quarterback hits. Under first-time defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the Raiders want to be aggressive and make life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks. If Paye continues to have performances similar to the one he had in Week 1, the outlook for Las Vegas could be a lot different this season. — Ryan McFadden
Another drop for the Raiders! Apparently, the worst thing to happen to the Silver and Black in Week 1 was the Cardinals pulling off the biggest upset of the weekend!
I do appreciate McFadden’s analysis, though. Paye did a pretty good job in the complementary role next to Crosby. The free-agent signing didn’t have many quick wins as a pass-rusher, but he did clean up a lot of plays, which is something the Raiders’ defense was missing last year. If that trend continues, I’m going to be pushing for Paye’s nickname to be ‘The Custodian’.
NFL.com
29. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 29
The Raiders received the most favorable draw for Klint Kubiak’s head-coaching debut and handled business, overcoming two turnovers to build a two-score lead that was threatened but ultimately held through the final whistle. Most encouraging: Ashton Jeanty finally delivered a game that matched the expectations he brought with him from Boise State. — Nick Shook
It’s funny, Shook has the Raiders ranked lower than anyone else here, but I can at least wrap my head around it since he didn’t have them falling. Granted, it’s not like he could have Vegas much lower. But at least he’s consistent, and fair is far. The Raiders didn’t exactly face the 1972 Dolphins on Sunday. And on the note about Jeanty, it’s amazing what can happen when he has a competent offensive line in front of him. Shoutout to Rick Dennison.
The Athletic
27. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 27
What we learned: This season may be different
Trepidation is warranted after the Raiders won their opener last season, too, before finishing 3-14. But as our Sam Warren wrote, there are legitimate reasons to think this season could be different under Klint Kubiak. They pulled off the win without tight end Brock Bowers, who could return from injury for Week 2. — Chad Graff, Josh Kendall
Warren’s article referenced above dives into how starting 1-0 this year feels different than last season, which ended up being a 3-14 campaign. The improved offensive line was a big reason for that, on top of the improved defense. For the latter, one of the biggest differences I noticed was that the Raiders were constantly pursuing the football, with several defenders around the ball carrier.
Las Vegas still had some tackling issues, with Pro Football Focus having them on the hook for 10 misses as a team. However, that wasn’t nearly as impactful with defenders in position to clean up plays and have their teammates’ backs. To me, little things like that are a sign of a culture change, which bodes well for Kubiak and Rob Leonard as leaders.
Bleacher Report
24. Las Vegas Raiders
Last Week: 26
Fans shouldn’t overreact to a two-touchdown win over a Miami Dolphins team that has one of the NFL’s most underwhelming rosters, especially at home. However, the Las Vegas Raiders looked more like a cohesive team than they did at almost any point last season. It’s too early to declare Klink Kubiak as Las Vegas’ answer at head coach. However, his team was well-prepared for Week 1 and operated like a team that can probably pull off a few upsets in 2026. However, Kirk Cousins (2 INTs) will need to be more careful with the football to keep Las Vegas in the win column and to quiet calls for rookie Fernando Mendoza. — Kristopher Knox
Knox kind of picked up where I left off in the section above, noting how the Raiders were more cohesive than last year’s team. That doesn’t say much, seeing as they were so bad in 2025, but it is a step in the right direction and worth celebrating. Also, Knox is on the mark with his analysis of Cousins.
Three touchdowns are great, but 5.3 yards per attempt and more interceptions (two) than completions (one) when throwing 10 or more yards past the line of scrimmage isn’t a sustainable winning formula. The 38-year-0ld’s age and injury history are showing when he tries/has to push the ball down the field. He can get the benefit of the doubt without having Bowers out wide, but Cousins’ arm is something to monitor moving forward.
