For the first time in franchise history, the Raiders are now the Las Vegas Raiders. The biggest question for the new franchise is, Can the Raiders be able to handle the spotlight shined in the sin city? At the moment this upcoming season might be too much for them as they will have either QB Derek Carr or Marcus Mariota lead the team. However, could the Vegas Raiders start with a championship run?
Let’s see if the Raiders can be the main show in Vegas, as Pickswise takes a look at each game-by-game and predicts the outcome for the Las Vegas Raiders this upcoming season.
Week 1: @ Carolina Panthers
Las Vegas opens up the season with a very winnable game. Even though the Panthers added on QB Teddy Bridgewater, they are a very one-note team that could be beaten by a well rounded average Raiders team. Win
Week 2: vs. New Orleans Saints
The Raiders showcase their new stadium for the first time on Monday night football against the New Orleans Saints. That will only be the good result coming from this game for the Raiders. Loss
Week 3: @ New England Patriots
New England might have Bill Belichick still, but they are without Tom Brady. Raiders win in a dramatic comeback win. Win
Week 4: vs. Buffalo Bills
Will the Raiders finally win in front of their new Las Vegas fans? Short answer: No Loss
Week 5: @ Kansas City Chiefs
In a very odd fashion, the Raiders are undefeated on the road and quite the opposite at home. Does this mean they can continue the streak against the defending Champions? Absolute not. Loss
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Upsets happen in football and it might happen in week seven for the Las Vegas Raiders. Plenty of time to prepare for the HOF Tom Brady as the Raiders unleash a new look for Vegas. Win
Week 8: @ Cleveland Browns
Even though I love the matchup here for running back Josh Jacobs against the Raiders, I’m not sure I can trust the Raiders secondary on back to back weeks. Loss
Week 9: @ Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of secondaries, the Raiders head onto the road to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. One of the most underrated secondaries in the league will showcase why they can shut down anyone. Loss
Week 10: vs. Denver Broncos
Everybody is talking about how QB Drew Lock will take over the AFC West. Luckily, QB Derek Carr gets one last laugh before he ages out. Win
Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
If getting blown out by the Chiefs on the road was not easy to watch, just wait until the Chiefs bring Kansas City into Las Vegas. Loss
Week 12: @ Atlanta Falcons
A huge matchup for both teams as week 12 could decide which way the momentum will swing. Atlanta loves to stay hot near the year with Matt Ryan and Julio Jones and will do so here. Loss
Week 13: @ New York Jets
Facing a three-game losing streak, the Raiders buckle up and get an ugly win on the road against the Jets. Win
Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts
A pivotal game here as the Raiders run into a very familiar face. QB Philip Rivers will still own the Raiders though. Loss
Week 15: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
A short week for the Oakland Raiders as they run into the Chargers one more time before the season evens. Luckily for the Raiders, they are staying home and should be prepared. Win
Week 16: vs. Miami Dolphins
Tua will be entering sin city for the first time this season but will be walking out without a win as Oakland has too much firepower compared to the Dolphins. Win
Week 17: @ Denver Broncos
QB Derek Carr got the first laugh, but the last laugh always hurts the most as Oakland losses its final regular season on the road. Loss
Taking an early look at the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders season, I have them finishing with a 7-9 record. In 2019 they finished with a 7-9 record and finished third in the division. In 2020 I expect pretty much the same outcome as the season before.
