Raiders Will Face Tough Defenses Early in Season

The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing for the 2023 season in hopes of returning to the playoffs.

With a team that more resembles what Coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Dave Ziegler have had success with in the past, the Raiders are hoping to put a disappointing 2022 season behind them.

They will face a tough start to the 2023 season, however, as they will go on the road for three of the first four weeks of the season and face some of the league’s toughest defenses.

Let’s take a closer look at the Raiders’ opponents in their first four games and break down their defenses.

The Raiders start the season on the road against the Denver Broncos, who were 12th in the league in both rushing yards allowed and passing yards allowed. They were second in the NFL in third down conversions allowed as well.

The Broncos feature two elite players in their secondary in cornerback Patrick Surtain II and safety Justin Simmons, who have both been Pro Bowlers. They also added defensive lineman Zach Allen in free agency. The Raiders will have their work cut out for them right off the bat this season with the Broncos.

The Raiders then go on the road to face the Buffalo Bills, who allowed the sixth-fewest yards per game, the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game and the seventh-lowest third down conversion rate.

The Bills feature elite players on their defense as well, such as First-Team All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano, and one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Tre’Davious White. After a tough road game in Denver, the Raiders will play another tough road game across the country in Buffalo.

The Raiders then return home to Allegiant Stadium, but welcome in the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been one of the best defenses in the NFL year after year under Coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers allowed only 108 rushing yards per game last season.

The Raiders will have their hands full with linebacker T.J. Watt, a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-Team All-Pro, and former Defensive Player of the Year. Fortunately for the Raiders, they have this game at home, but it will be no easy task stopping Pittsburgh’s defense.

Finally, the Raiders will go back on the road to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Brandon Staley is a defensive savant, and will look to get the most out of his pass rush duo of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

The Raiders have been able to beat the Chargers in Staley’s tenure, but their defense should be tough to handle once again, so the Raiders will have to be ready early in the season.

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