Building a 20-0 all-time Raiders team

The Las Vegas Raiders are working hard to recover from one of the toughest seasons in franchise history, and Tom Brady isn’t holding back on expectations. After a dismal 3-14 record in 2025, the minority owner emphasized that everyone in the organization needs to improve. Meanwhile, the team’s new era under coach Klint Kubiak has already faced criticism, particularly after ESPN labeled Kwity Paye’s contract as one of the worst free agency deals of the offseason.

Clearly, the current Raiders have a lot to prove. But before focusing on the rebuild, let’s take a look back at the franchise’s history and imagine the perfect 20-0 Raiders team.

Quarterback Ken Stabler

While Derek Carr has impressive statistics, Rich Gannon enjoyed an MVP peak, and Jim Plunkett won two Super Bowls, this is Ken Stabler’s team. Stabler embodied the ideal Raiders quarterback with his blend of controlled chaos. He was accurate, fearless, clutch, and completely comfortable in high-pressure situations.

Although he might not fit the modern prototype, he had an unparalleled understanding of timing, leverage, and pressure. For a 20-0 team, the Raiders need a left-handed gambler who can excel in a rough game and still make the right throw on third down. That is Stabler.

Running Back Marcus Allen

There’s no serious debate here. While Bo Jackson may be the most legendary Raiders running back, with his peak representing one of football’s greatest “what-ifs,” Marcus Allen offers the complete package. Allen could run inside, bounce outside, catch passes, protect the quarterback, and deliver in crucial moments.

His performance in Super Bowl XVIII remains one of the defining games in franchise history, highlighted by one of the most iconic touchdown runs in the sport.

Wide Receiver Tim Brown

Tim Brown is the first receiver on this team because he consistently carried the Raiders’ passing game through multiple eras. He possessed speed, skill, durability, and rare consistency. Even though he often played without elite quarterback support, Brown continued to produce.

Wide Receiver Fred Biletnikoff

Fred Biletnikoff didn’t rely on overwhelming speed to dominate defenses. He was a master technician, a route-running expert, and one of the most dependable postseason receivers of his era. He had an extraordinary talent for getting open, working defenders, and making tough catches look easy. This all-time Raiders offense showcases explosiveness, and Biletnikoff adds reliability. When Stabler needs a crucial conversion, Biletnikoff is the player he turns to.

Wide Receiver Cliff Branch

Now, let’s introduce the element of fear. Cliff Branch was one of the greatest deep threats in NFL history. His speed altered the dynamics of the field, and his connection with Stabler provided the Raiders with a vertical attack that made defensive backs anxious before the snap.

With a receiving trio of Brown, Biletnikoff, and Branch, this team possesses everything: production, precision, toughness, and the kind of explosive danger that’s hard to defend. Good luck trying to cover that!

Tight End Dave Casper

Dave Casper is an easy choice. Known as “The Ghost,” he was tough, reliable, and built for playoff football. He could block, catch, and effectively punish defenders over the middle. More importantly, he played a central role in some of the most iconic moments in Raiders history. Casper enhances this team by providing another problem solver for the offense.

Left Tackle Art Shell

Art Shell is one of the cornerstones of Raiders history. As a Hall of Fame left tackle, Shell brought size, power, and calm dominance to the offensive line. He was a foundational piece during the franchise’s best years and helped establish the physical tone the Raiders became known for. If this team aims for a perfect record of 20-0, Stabler’s blind side must be protected by a legend. Shell is that legend.

Left Guard Gene Upshaw

Positioning Gene Upshaw next to Shell may seem unfair. Upshaw was powerful, athletic, fierce, and historically great, and he became one of the defining guards in NFL history. His partnership with Shell provided the Raiders with one of the most intimidating left sides football has ever seen.

Center Jim Otto

Jim Otto is the obvious pick for center, as he was “Mr. Raider” before anyone else embodied that title. Otto played through pain, started for an extended period, and became the face of the franchise’s early toughness. The ideal Raiders team needs a center who can anchor the line and represent the organization, and Otto does both.

Right Guard Steve Wisniewski

Steve Wisniewski belongs on this list because he played guard the Raiders way. He was physical, technically skilled, durable, and tough enough to fit in with any era of the franchise. Wisniewski made multiple Pro Bowls and spent his entire career with the Raiders, adding another long-term cornerstone to the offensive line. This unit would be brutal.

Right Tackle Lincoln Kennedy

Lincoln Kennedy provides the Raiders with another massive presence up front. He was a key figure during the team’s resurgence in the early 2000s and played a crucial role in the offense that reached Super Bowl XXXVII. At his best, Kennedy was enormous, physical, and difficult to move. With him on the right side, this line has both size and attitude throughout.

Defensive End Howie Long

Howie Long is the standout name on the defensive front. He was strong, explosive, versatile, and perfectly suited for the Raiders’ identity. Long could rush the passer, defend against the run, and create chaos from various alignments. He personified what a Raiders defender should be: intimidating before the ball was even snapped.

Defensive Tackle Chester McGlockton

Chester McGlockton brings immense interior power to this team. At his peak, he was a disruptive force characterized by his size, strength, and quickness, capable of breaking through protections. McGlockton could collapse pockets from the inside, which is exactly what this defense needs given the elite edge talent surrounding him.

Defensive Tackle Tom Keating

Tom Keating earns the other interior spot due to his role in defining the Raiders’ classic defensive toughness. Although undersized by modern standards, he played with leverage, aggression, and relentless energy. Keating embodies the spirit of this roster.

Defensive End Greg Townsend

Greg Townsend is the franchise’s all-time sack leader, and it would feel wrong to leave him off this list. He possessed burst, bend, and the ability to finish plays. With McGlockton demanding attention inside and pressure coming from the other side, Townsend would have ample opportunities to close in on quarterbacks. This defensive front would be exhausting for opponents.

Linebacker Ted Hendricks

Ted Hendricks stands out as one of the most unique defenders in NFL history. At 6 feet 7 inches tall, he seemed to be engineered to disrupt passing lanes and block kicks. He could rush the passer, cover receivers, tackle well, and make quarterbacks feel as though the field had shrunk. “The Mad Stork” is the kind of unconventional and brilliant player this team needs.

Linebacker Phil Villapiano

Phil Villapiano adds energy and intensity, as he was a critical part of the Raiders’ dominant defenses in the 1970s, playing with the speed and confidence that made him impossible to overlook. Every all-time Raiders team needs someone who feels ready to start, and finish, a fight, and Villapiano fits that description.

Linebacker Matt Millen

Matt Millen rounds out the linebacker group. Before his front-office career became the butt of many jokes, he was a tough and productive linebacker who helped the Raiders win games. Millen brought physicality, intelligence, and championship credibility to the field.

Cornerback Willie Brown

Willie Brown is the first cornerback on the field. He was smooth, intelligent, and one of the greatest defensive backs in franchise history. His iconic pick-six in Super Bowl XI remains one of the signature moments in Raiders lore. Brown provides this defense with a true shutdown presence and an impressive big-game resume.

Cornerback Lester Hayes

Lester Hayes takes the second cornerback position thanks to his remarkable peak performance. His 1980 season, which included 13 interceptions and Defensive Player of the Year honors, ranks among the best seasons for a cornerback in history. Hayes was aggressive, physical, and perfectly suited for the Raiders’ intimidating style.

Safety Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson could effectively play cornerback, but on this team, he became the ultimate versatile defensive back. He possessed exceptional ball skills, intelligence, toughness, and rare adaptability. Woodson’s second stint with the Raiders only enhanced his legacy, demonstrating that he could still dictate games from the backfield deep into his career.

Safety Jack Tatum

Jack Tatum brings a fierce edge to the secondary. One of the hardest hitters the league has ever seen, he remains one of the most legendary defenders in Raiders history. While modern rules might complicate his playing style, this is an all-time fantasy team that seeks intimidation. Tatum delivers that in spades.

Kick Returner Jacoby Ford

Jacoby Ford secures the return specialist spot because pure speed is crucial. Although he might not be one of the franchise’s greatest legends, he was electrifying with the ball in his hands, and on a team as stacked as this, the returner needs only to shift the momentum and instill fear in coverage units. Ford is capable of doing just that.

Place-Kicker Sebastian Janikowski

Sebastian Janikowski is the quintessential Raiders kicker. A first-round draft pick with a powerful leg and a lengthy career, he embodies the kind of absurdity that makes sense for the franchise’s silver and black identity. He is the obvious choice.

Head Coach John Madden

John Madden deserves the role of head coach for this team. Even though Tom Flores won two Super Bowls and warrants great respect, Madden’s Raiders were dominant, physical, consistent, and fearsome. His regular-season winning percentage is impressive, and he ultimately led the team to a Super Bowl title. Madden understood Raiders football because he helped define it.