It's important not to take anything for granted if you're the Raiders. Despite facing the team widely considered the worst in the NFL this season, anything can happen. The Raiders are coming off being the worst team in the NFL last season, so it's not like they're in a great position either.
Let's look at a few causes for concern as the Raiders welcome the Miami Dolphins
for their season opener on Sunday.1. No Brock Bowers
The Raiders will be without their best player on Sunday. The former All Pro tight end had a meniscus trim this week and is will miss the season opener and possibly more as a result. It was with a banged up Bowers last season that the Raiders had the worst offense in the NFL. Granted his absence wasn't nearly the sole reason, but his two best games
occurring in their 2025 season opening win as well as their highest scoring game. That isn't a coincidence. The Raiders are clearly at their best when he's on the field and healthy. And he's a major missing weapon.
2. Dolphins run defense
One of the few strong areas for Miami is their run defense. They boast All Pro LB Jordyn Brooks and second-round rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez and veteran Zach Sieler along the defensive line. The Raiders have upgraded the center position with Tyler Linderbaum and proficient coaching. But they still have questions at the guard spots with starters Spencer Burford and Jackson Powers-Johnson. The Raiders hope to get Ashton Jeanty going this season along with rookie Mike Washington Jr. They get a big test right out the gates.
3. Wide receiver corps
The wide receivers on the Raiders roster will be a cause for concern much of this season. As they field one of the least proven units in the NFL. Tre Tucker is the closest they have to a worthy outside starter. Jalen Nailor has never cracked even 450 yards in a season. And there's no telling if Jack Bech will take a step forward in his second season.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 3 causes for concern for Raiders Week 1 vs Dolphins
