Raiders 2025 schedule analysis: Circle the date, easiest, toughest stretches

Circle the date: Sept. 7 at New England Patriots (Week 1) | This offseason, the Raiders hired new head coach Pete Carroll, a Super Bowl champion, to turn around the franchise after a 4-13 season. He could face an immediate test in Week 1. 

The Patriots also went 4-13 in 2024, but they should improve under new HC Mike Vrabel, who won 2021 Coach of the Year with the Tennessee Titans. Along with Vrabel, the Patriots may have upgraded their offense, selecting LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell (pick No. 4) and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (pick No. 38) in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

This matchup could gauge whether quarterback Geno Smith—whom Vegas acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks in March—is the guy for the Raiders. In 2024, the Patriots ranked 10th in the league in passing yards allowed per game (211.5). 

Toughest stretch: Weeks 13-16 | In Weeks 13 and 14, the Raiders face the Los Angeles Chargers on the road and the Denver Broncos at home. Both AFC West rivals swept Vegas and made the playoffs in 2024.

Denver's stingy defense could ground Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty (pick No. 6). Last season, the Broncos allowed the league's third-fewest rushing yards per game (96.4).

In Week 15, the Philadelphia Eagles host the Raiders. Don't be stunned if the Raiders lose to the defending Super Bowl champions. As of Tuesday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Eagles the best odds (+650) to repeat as champions. 

The Houston Texans have offensive line problems, as they tied for third in the league in sacks allowed (54) in 2024. Still, the Texans roster features QB C.J. Stroud and EDGE Will Anderson Jr. Stroud won 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Anderson captured 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Easiest stretch: Weeks 3-6 | During this stretch, the Raiders play just one team (Washington Commanders) that made the playoffs last season. 

This offseason, the Chicago Bears hired new HC Ben Johnson, a former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, to optimize second-year QB Caleb Williams. However, that may not solve their defensive problems. Last season, the Bears allowed the league's sixth-most yards per game (354.3).  

The Indianapolis Colts are holding a QB competition between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. Neither looks like a terrific option. Richardson completed a dreadful 47.7 percent of his passes in 11 games last season. Jones, meanwhile, went 2-8 in 10 starts for the New York Giants before they benched and released him. 

Titans rookie QB Cam Ward (pick No. 1) could be in for a long day against Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowler. The Titans tied for fifth in the league in sacks allowed (52) last season. 

Main takeaway: The league doesn't know what the Raiders are but finds them intriguing | The Raiders' season may hinge on whether Smith plays at a Pro Bowl level. If he does, they could exceed expectations this upcoming season. Their solid roster includes Crosby and second-year tight end Brock Bowers, who set the rookie receptions record with 112 in 17 games. 

The league seems to understand the Raiders aren't a surefire playoff team, but they could still be a potential draw. That could be one reason it has scheduled them for three prime-time games.