A pessimist's guide to the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders

In 2023, the Las Vegas Raiders failed to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season. This offseason, the team has failed to address roster holes, so it wouldn't be surprising if it misses the postseason again.

Here's why Vegas should be worried about next season.

Quarterback situation

During the NFL Draft, the Raiders reportedly mulled trading up for Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (pick No. 2) or taking Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (pick No. 8). Ultimately, both plans failed, and Vegas didn't draft another passer.

Aidan O'Connell and free-agent addition Gardner Minshew II will now compete for the starting QB job. Don't bank on either reigniting an offense that ranked 23rd in points scored (19.5) last season. 

In his 2024 quarterback rankings, Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema rates O'Connell and Minshew 30th in the NFL.

"Their passing grades were close, with O'Connell recording a 64.6 and Minshew posting a 60.6. Those were good for 29th and 33rd, respectively, versus the rest of the league," Sikkema wrote. "...Regardless of who wins the starting job for Week 1, neither is a big needle-mover right now."

Davante Adams' unclear future

In April, Adams indicated he wants to stay in Vegas, telling The Athletic's Tashan Reed, "If I wanted to be gone, I'd be gone by now." 

However, would the six-time Pro Bowler change his mind if the Raiders aren't in playoff contention next season?

During a recent appearance on Vegas defensive end Maxx Crosby's podcast, "The Rush," Adams admitted he was unsure about Packers QB Jordan Love, which is one reason he requested a trade in 2022. He may have some second thoughts after watching Love finish second in the league in passing TDs (32 in 17 games) last season.

In 2023, teams called about Adams' availability before the trade deadline passed, via ESPN's Adam Schefter. Perhaps they'll try again if the Raiders get off to a slow start this upcoming season.

Tough schedule

The schedule-makers didn't do the Raiders any favors. Per ESPN's Paul Gutierrez, Vegas' 2024 opponents posted a .512 winning percentage last season, making it the eighth-hardest schedule in the league.

This includes a tough stretch from Weeks 7-11 when the Raiders face the Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. Three of these teams (the Chiefs, Dolphins and Rams) made the playoffs in 2023.

Although new head coach Antonio Pierce promises he's building a winning culture, the demanding schedule may prevent him from turning the Raiders around immediately. ESPN's Football Power Index gives them a 16.6% chance to make the playoffs.