The Raiders’ 2025 Schedule: A Vegas Spectacle and a Bold Prediction

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 schedule, just dropped (hilarious video if you haven’t watched it yet), is a 17-game high-stakes poker game in the NFL’s city that doesn’t sleep. With Pete Carroll dealing the cards, the Silver and Black face a slate that’s equal parts opportunity and chaos, especially in the AFC West, where the Carroll-Harbaugh rivalry, sparked by Stanford’s 55-21 demolition of USC in 2009, promises to set Allegiant Stadium ablaze. Diving into the AFC West Thunderdome where Carroll’s gum-chewing optimism clashes with Jim Harbaugh’s khaki-clad grit. Starting with the Patriots, here’s a game-by-game breakdown of the Raiders’ quest to snap a 22-year AFC West title drought.

The Big Picture

The Raiders play nine home games and eight on the road, facing the AFC South, NFC East, and fourth-place finishers from the AFC North (Cleveland), NFC North (Chicago), and AFC East (New England). Six opponents made the 2024 playoffs, including Super Bowl champs Philadelphia and nemesis Kansas City. With Carroll’s 170-120-1 record, Geno Smith’s savvy, and Chip Kelly’s offensive flair, Vegas aims to crash the postseason. The AFC West, featuring Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Harbaugh, and Carroll, is a coaching Mount Rushmore, but the Carroll-Harbaugh saga, from “What’s your deal?” to NFC West wars, steals the spotlight.

Game-by-Game Analysis

Week 1: at New England Patriots (Away, Sept. 7)

Kicking off in Foxborough, the Raiders face a Patriots team led by Mike Vrabel, who’s trying to rebuild after Jerod Mayo’s one-and-done stint. Drake Maye, now a second-year QB, showed flashes in 2024 but struggles under pressure. Maxx Crosby should make him see ghosts, and Ashton Jeanty’s legs exploit New England’s shaky line. A strong start. Prediction: W, 1-0.

Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Home, MNF, Sept. 15)

Carroll vs. Harbaugh, Round 1. Harbaugh’s Chargers, with Justin Herbert and rookie Omarion Hampton, play bully ball. Allegiant’s roar could unsettle them, but Harbaugh’s sideline intensity is a force. Carroll counters with Kelly’s tempo. The postgame handshake? Colder than a Vegas margarita on a hot summer day. Prediction: W, 2-0.

Week 3: at Washington Commanders (Away, Sept. 21)

Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, is a dual-threat nightmare. Washington’s defense wobbles, though, and Carroll’s seen trickier QBs. Jeanty keeps Daniels sidelined in a road steal. Prediction: W, 3-0.

Week 4: vs. Chicago Bears (Home, Sept. 28)

Ben Johnson, who spurned Vegas for Chicago, coaches Caleb Williams and a revamped Bears offense. Johnson’s innovative playcalling is a challenge, but Allegiant’s energy and Crosby’s havoc tilt this. Carroll gets bragging rights. Prediction: W, 4-0.

Week 5: at Indianapolis Colts (Away, Oct. 5)

Anthony Richardson’s a human highlight reel, but Indy’s line is porous. Carroll’s defense feasts, and Geno avoids Shane Steichen’s traps. A trap game if Vegas slacks. Prediction: W, 5-0.

Week 6: vs. Tennessee Titans (Home, Oct. 12)

Cam Ward, the Titans’ top-pick QB, makes his Vegas debut. Tennessee’s rebuild is rough, and Ward’s raw. Crosby and Malcom Koonce overwhelm, giving Carroll an easy home win. Prediction: W, 6-0.

Week 7: at Kansas City Chiefs (Away, Oct. 19)

Patrick Mahomes. Andy Reid. Arrowhead. It’s the stuff nightmares are made of but as Jon Gruden said, I’m into [expletive] nightmares. Carroll’s beaten Reid before, but this requires perfection. Geno needs a miracle to topple KC’s dynasty. Prediction: L, 6-1.

Week 8: Bye Week

Ideal timing to regroup. Carroll likely rewatches that 2014 NFC Championship to prep for Harbaugh’s rematch or every Chargers Super Bowl victory.

Week 9: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Home, Nov. 2)

Trevor Lawrence’s still chasing his Clemson peak. Jacksonville’s offense is revamped but Carroll’s defense pounces. Home cooking seals it. Prediction: W, 7-1.

Week 10: at Denver Broncos (Away, TNF, Nov. 6)

Sean Payton’s Broncos rely on Bo Nix, but their QB depth is a punchline. Carroll’s 10-4 record against Payton helps, though Mile High’s altitude bites. Prediction: L, 7-2.

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys (Home, MNF, Nov. 17)

Brian Schottenheimer, Carroll’s ex-OC, leads a drama-filled Cowboys squad. Dak Prescott’s health is shaky. Allegiant’s crowd fuels a statement win. Prediction: W, 8-2.

Week 12: vs. Cleveland Browns (Home, Nov. 23)

The Browns’ QB situation is a mystery, Shedeur Sanders? Dillon Gabriel? A veteran? Al Bundy? Uncle Rico? Nobody knows. Their offense stalls, and Crosby dominates. Vegas cruises. Prediction: W, 9-2.

Week 13: at Los Angeles Chargers (Away, Nov. 30)

Carroll-Harbaugh, Round 2. SoFi’s a Raiders home game with fans invading. Harbaugh’s ground game battles Kelly’s speed. Carroll’s big-game savvy prevails. Prediction: W, 10-2.

Week 14: vs. Denver Broncos (Home, Dec. 7)

Payton’s gadget plays flop like a bad Vegas act. Jeanty runs wild, and Carroll’s defense stifles Nix. Home-field takes it. Prediction: W, 11-2.

Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles (Away, Dec. 14)

Super Bowl champs. Jalen Hurts runs like he’s dodging taxes. Philly’s line bullies, and Carroll’s secondary needs perfection. Brutal road loss. Prediction: L, 11-3.

Week 16: at Houston Texans (Away, Dec. 21)

C.J. Stroud’s a surgeon, but Houston’s secondary leaks. Geno and Jeanty keep it close, but Stroud’s late heroics win. Prediction: L, 11-4.

Week 17: vs. New York Giants (Home, TBD

DangerRuss facing his old coach? Spicy. The Giants are a mess, and Allegiant buries them. Malik Nabers can’t save this. Prediction: W, 12-4.

Week 18: vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Home, TBD)

Playoff hopes on the line? Flex to prime time? Mahomes is inevitable, but Allegiant’s roar and Carroll’s grit make it close. KC prevails. Prediction: L, 12-5.

The Verdict

With the 16th-hardest schedule, the Raiders can hit 12-5 and snag a wild-card spot. The AFC West is a warzone, but Carroll’s experience and Kelly’s schemes give Vegas a shot at Kansas City. The Carroll-Harbaugh clashes in Weeks 2 and 13 are season-defining, their feud, born in college, hardened in the NFC West, adding Shakespearean stakes. Pete’s “What’s your deal?” and Harbaugh’s sideline fire guarantee must-see TV. The Raiders’ 2025 is a Vegas spectacle, and while Pete and Jim won’t share a postgame beer, the Silver and Black could shine.