The NFL will release regular-season schedule Thursday at 5 p.m. Let’s look at some key components of the schedule as it pertains to the Las Vegas Raiders.
To recap, here are the Raiders’ 2026 opponents. The Raiders have the seventh toughest schedule based on last season’s results:
Home
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
Los Angeles Rams
Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee Titans
Away
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers
Arizona Cardinals
New England Patriots
New York Jets
San Francisco 49ers
Cleveland Browns
New Orleans Saints
The Mahomes factor:
One of the first things I will be looking for on the Raiders’ schedule will be when will be their first game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs’ star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL and while the Chiefs are publicly saying they think he can be ready by Week 1, there are no guarantees and clearly, he will be better later in the season. So, if the Raiders play the Chiefs early in the season, it could be a big advantage. By the way, the Raiders won’t be facing the Chiefs in Week 1. Kansas City is playing against Denver on Monday night to open the season.
Prime-time games?
Will there be a Fernando Mendoza affect in his rookie season With Mendoza and the Raiders get some prime-time love? They played two Monday night games and a Thursday night last season. I bet we may see more than that this season, especially later in the season when Mendoza will very likely be playing.
Holiday games?
There reportedly will be games from Wednesday through Friday of Thanksgiving week, there will be Christmas games as well. Will the the Raiders get a holiday games? They’ve had their fair share of holiday games this decade. Will it continue this season?
Any bad-weather games?
There is some potential here for some rough late-season road games. Games against Denver, Kansas City, New England, the Jets and Cleveland all have potential to be played in poor weather. It’s definitely something to watch for Thursday night.
Reunion games:
Among the former Raiders who will be facing their former teams this season include wide receiver Davante Adams (Rams), quarterback Geno Smith (Jets) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (Saints).
