Raiders 2024 schedule with game-by-game predictions: Las Vegas' path to the playoffs

The Las Vegas Raiders' schedule for the 2024 NFL season has officially been revealed.

With the 2024 schedule in hand, we ponder: What path will the Raiders carve out as they strive to return to the playoffs? The challenges are unique, but the potential is undeniable.

Let's dive into some early game-by-game score predictions, sparking the debate and anticipation that only football can bring.

Week 1: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

Now, is this really a road game? The Raiders have a home away from home, and of course, it is in their old stomping ground of Los Angeles, California. Much like what the Raiders go through in Las Vegas with opposing teams' fans, they do the same in Los Angeles. The Chargers are not expected to be a great team in 2024, and Harbaugh is getting his first taste of NFL action in what feels like a decade. The Raiders win this one 21-10.

Week 2: Raiders at Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were very, very close to making the Super Bowl last season. If we are all being realistic here, the Raiders have a ways to go before they are at that level. Now, they can put up a fight against the Ravens, and I expect them to. However, I think the Ravens' combination of the run-and-pass game with MVP Lamar Jackson will take them over the top. The Ravens will win this one 27-21.

Week 3: Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers

The Raiders' home opener last year was against the worst team in the league. While they made some moves this offseason, the Panthers will likely be a bottom-of-the-barrell team. This is where the Raiders show their fans at home what they are really about. I have them winning this one big time, 30-9.

Week 4: Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns

The Browns had a great season in 2023, as they were somewhat of a Cinderella story. They played with a few different quarterbacks during the year and somehow found themselves in the playoffs. I think they will be even better in 2024 with their additions and the time they have given Deshaun Watson to get healthy. Browns win this one 24-14.

Week 5: Raiders @ Denver Broncos

Sure, it's supposed to be a rivalry, but it really isn't one as of late. The Raiders have won eight in a row against the Broncos. And, by the way, things aren't looking good in Denver, which may be around for a while. The Raiders, meanwhile, have dominated in Denver. I see that staying the same, and the Raiders defense roughing up a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix. Raiders win 35-14.

Week 6: Raiders vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Every fan of both fanbases looks forward to this game. Both franchises have a ton of respect for one another, but man, the history is there. It's been a while since the Immaculate Reception. But that doesn't mean both of these teams don't want to beat one another. We know that the Steelers have a great defense, and the Raiders offense is still shaky. But I have the Raiders bouncing back at home this time, beating the Steelers 17-14 in a gritty win.

Week 7: Raiders @ Los Angeles Rams

The Raiders get two extra home games in 2024, with both being at SoFi Stadium, where we know their fans will show up and show out. But, with that being said, the Rams will be a much better team than they were the last time these two teams played one another, even though the Rams beat the Raiders in an embarrassing game. This time, I think the Raiders come out on top, as they have improved much more, and the Rans have made some moves, but nothing that moves the needle to me. Not to mention, Aaron Donald retired, too. Raiders win 24-20.

Week 8: Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs may have lost the last matchup between these two, but they have the last laugh over the Raiders, winning the Super Bowl in Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs have improved their roster; they were the league's best team last season. They also beat the Raiders in Allegiant Stadium last season. So, I have to give the Raiders a loss in this one—30-17.

Week 9: Raiders @ Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have been a good team when Joe Burrow is healthy. But now the Bengals have lost several key players and replaced them with rookies, which is huge. I'll be watching Amarius Mims against Maxx Crosby in this one, and that's ultimately why I have the Raiders winning. They are coming off of a loss, and it's not a cold weather game in Cincinnati like it would be later in the year. Who knows if Burrow is healthy, too? I have to go with the Raiders on this one, but it is a close one - 21-20.

Week 11: Raiders @ Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins had one of the greatest offenses we have ever seen last season. Yet, somehow, the Raiders had a chance to win that game last season. While that is certainly something that makes you hopeful for the future, I still have Miami beating the Raiders. I think they will be even better next season with one under their belt with that core group. Raiders lose 27-24. This has them at 6-4 a week after the bye week.

Week 12: Raiders vs. Broncos

We touched on this earlier, and fortunately for the Raiders, I think it is much of the same result in Week 12. I think the Raiders will end up blowing the Broncos out, as they should. Raiders win 34-17.

Week 13: Raiders @ Chiefs

In this game last season, we saw the Raiders go to Kansas City on Christmas Day and ruin it for everyone wearing red and gold. However, I am one of the many people who believe that game was an anomaly. You will not ever make a Chiefs offense play THAT bad twice, especially if Patrick Mahomes is playing. The Chiefs win this one 23-21.

Week 14: Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers were much better last season than people thought. Baker Mayfield was great and was a huge reason they won games. With how they have been drafting over the years, I think they will be a good team next season—one that wins their division. I also think the Buccaneers will win at home against the Raiders, turning a losing streak for the Raiders into a winning streak—something every team goes through. Bucs win 21-20.

Week 15: Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Raiders are hosting their second primetime game of the year, but this one is against an opponent you would have expected in the Falcons, who may or may not be very good. I know Raiders fans want to beat the Falcons for taking Michael Penix Jr. when they really didn't need to, but this is the perfect way to get back at them - on Monday Night Football. The Raiders win this game by a lot. 27-14.

Week 16: Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars had a rough season last year, but they should be much better in 2024. They made some moves, drafted some good players, and are looking to take back the AFC South. Unfortunately for them, the Raiders are going to take this win. It makes too much sense. Look at the matchups on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars' secondary is bad, and the Raiders have some of the best weapons in the league. The Raiders defensive line is amazing, and the Jaguars offensive line is terrible. Raiders win 24-21.

Week 17: Raiders at New Orleans Saints

This game is obviously a huge one. Derek Carr, a former long-time Raider, now plays for the Saints. So, he is going to want to get his payback on the team. However, that's where the good happens for the Raiders. They go into the Superdome in New Orleans and kick their butt. The matchups are in the Raiders' favor across the board. Raiders win 28-17.

Week 18: Raiders vs. Chargers

The Chargers are not expected to be a great team in 2024, and Harbaugh didn't quite adjust throughout the 2024 season. The Chargers are the same team they were when the Raiders beat them in Week 1. The Raiders win this one easily—32-14.

Overall, I have the Raiders going 11-6 in 2024, with a division record of 4-2. making the playoffs. Of course, I will likely get every prediction wrong, but that's why this is so fun.