2025 AFC West Preview: Las Vegas Raiders Football

LAS VEGAS, August 22, 2025 — Pete Carroll’s arrival as head coach marks a bold reset for the Las Vegas Raiders. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith, general manager John Spytek and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly slot into a revamped framework that blends rookie talent, proven veterans and a singular path to reinvention in the AFC West.

Leadership Overhaul

• Head Coach Pete Carroll brings championship pedigree and consistency—in his NFL and college head-coaching tenures, he’s endured just four losing seasons. His trademark energy and defensive emphasis arrive in a franchise long searching for stability.
• General Manager John Spytek, hired in January, drew attention for his connections with part-owner Tom Brady and his front-office acumen from Tampa Bay.
• Carroll reunited with QB Geno Smith, tapping a trusted ally from their Seahawks era. If the pairing produces wins in the desert, it will be remembered as one of the most notable second-act stories of the season.

Offseason Moves & Draft Highlights

Spytek reshaped the roster with an eye toward long-term balance. The biggest headline came in the draft, where Las Vegas used the No. 6 overall pick on running back Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic weapon with speed and vision. Viewed as a potential workhorse, Jeanty is expected to shoulder a heavy load in Kelly’s offense.

In free agency, Spytek added depth across the offensive and defensive lines, plus secondary reinforcements. The Raiders avoided splashy spending, instead targeting steady veterans who can stabilize a roster still developing under Carroll’s direction.

Offensive Blueprint

Chip Kelly’s offense offers frenetic pace, RPOs and quick reads, designed for Geno and dynamic playmakers. At the core lies Brock Bowers, already a star tight end after smashing rookie receiving records in 2024—he led all tight ends in catches and yards, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

Expect Bowers to headline the passing game, drawing coverage that opens lanes for Jeanty and the receiving corps. Jeanty’s burst provides a complementary punch, forcing defenses to respect both ground and air threats.

Smith’s job: distribute quickly, protect the ball, and use tempo to keep defenses on their heels. Kelly’s scheme is built to maximize rhythm, a stark contrast to the plodding offense Raider fans often endured in recent years.

Defensive Identity

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham returns with a scheme emphasizing versatility and aggression. The anchor is Maxx Crosby, one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers, coming off another double-digit sack season. His relentless motor and leadership set the tone for the unit.

Las Vegas also invested in shoring up the front seven, mixing youth and experience to lessen Crosby’s burden. Carroll’s defensive pedigree suggests more physicality and opportunism, particularly in creating turnovers.

The secondary remains a question mark, with young corners asked to grow up fast in a division that features Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. If the coverage holds up, Crosby’s pressure can swing games.

Expectations & Betting Landscape

Las Vegas sportsbooks peg the Raiders’ 2025 win total at 6.5 games—with the over priced at –150 and the under at +125. Some projections see eight wins as a reasonable ceiling, while a game-by-game outlook places them at 9-8, with a strong early-season stretch balanced by late divisional challenges.

Oddsmakers clearly expect a rebuilding year. Yet the combination of a veteran quarterback, a proven coach and high-upside young talent suggests there’s potential to outperform the line.

Why Overachievement Is Possible

1. Carroll’s Culture: His track record of fast turnarounds and player buy-in brings credibility.
2. Quarterback Stability: Smith gives Las Vegas a steady hand, avoiding a rookie learning curve.
3. Dynamic Duo: Bowers and Jeanty are matchup nightmares, capable of producing weekly splash plays.
4. Crosby’s Disruption: His pass-rush presence alters protections and creates turnover chances.
5. Underdog Mentality: Written off by many, the Raiders enter 2025 with low external pressure but high internal motivation.

Key Games to Watch

• Week 1 at New England: A tone-setter for Carroll’s debut.
• Week 2 vs. Chargers: Early division matchup that could boost confidence.
• Week 7 at Kansas City: A barometer against the defending AFC powerhouse.
• Week 11 vs. Cowboys: National spotlight in a playoff-style test.
• Week 18 vs. Chiefs: Could decide whether the Raiders are postseason spoilers or contenders.

Starting fast may be critical. Four of the first six games come against teams with losing records in 2024, offering a chance to build momentum before the divisional gauntlet ramps up.

Bottom Line

The Raiders enter 2025 with cautious expectations. A win total set at 6.5 games reflects skepticism, but Carroll’s arrival, Smith’s stability, and the emergence of Jeanty and Bowers raise the ceiling. With Crosby anchoring the defense, Las Vegas has a foundation of stars on both sides of the ball.

A playoff berth would be a surprise, but a .500 season or better isn’t out of reach. Carroll’s Raiders are built to compete sooner than expected—and in the AFC West, that makes them one of the league’s most intriguing wild cards.