Las Vegas Raiders 2026 Final Regular Season Prediction: What Changed

HENDERSON, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders will kick off the 2026 NFL regular season on Sunday.

They will host the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium for a 1:25 PM PT kickoff.

John Spytek, Mark Davis | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

To say that the Raider Nation, a fan base that sees their identification with the storied franchise as a way of life, is excited would be an understatement.

With that said, the Silver and Black are in the midst of a major Raiders rebuild, and with that, there comes a healthy dose of reality and patience.

What We Know

Las Vegas Raiders GM John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

I have previously discussed the three things we know for sure about this franchise, but I've also watched the OTAs, minicamps, and training camp. At the same time, the roster is much better, and the team is finally getting healthy, so they'll take their lumps in 2026.

Last May, when the NFL 2026 schedule was released, I gave my original season prediction.

As I do every year, I give my final prediction and the one I remain accountable for.

GM John Spytek, Fernando Mendoza, Klint Kubiak | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

How I Do It

I look at ten criteria for every game, and if both sides have five each, I always take the home team.

If I get my prediction within one game, that year was a success. In my previously selected six seasons, I was right twice, within one game twice (all four, in my opinion, subsequently correct), and woefully bad twice, including the utter embarrassment of last season.