NFL schedule release: Predicting Las Vegas Raiders 2021 schedule
Week 1: Home vs. Denver Broncos (MNF)
For years, the NFL would schedule the Raiders as the second of the Monday night doubleheader, but they chose to save the debut of Allegiant Stadium for week two in 2020 against New Orleans. This year, we revert to the recent trend of having the Raiders face a division opponent at home in the second Monday night game. The Raiders swept the Broncos last year and will look to kick off the season with a pivotal division win at home.
Week 2: At Indianapolis Colts
Last year, the Raiders faced a familiar opponent in Philip Rivers, but he was in an unfamiliar uniform as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were one of the best teams in the AFC last year and they still have many of the same pieces in place, especially on defense.
They made one of these splashy moves of the offseason by acquiring Carson Wentz from the Eagles and his performance in Indy will be one of the stories to watch of the season. This game will be a great litmus test for the Raiders as they face a likely division winner out of the AFC South.
Week 3: At Cleveland Browns
In 2020, the Raiders went into Cleveland and beat one of the surprise teams of that season. The Browns came within one yard of advancing to the AFC title game but fell just short. The Raiders were able to overcome the Browns with a powerful run game in some awful weather.
This game should be early enough in the season where the weather is not a factor but it still presents yet another tough test for the Raiders on the road against a playoff opponent.
Week 4: Home vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are not a familiar opponent for the Raiders but this should be a fun matchup for two teams on different paths. The Raiders are in win-now mode and the Eagles are in the midst of a massive overhaul with a new quarterback and head coach.
Jalen Hurts was exciting in spurts last season and time will tell if he is the new franchise quarterback in Philadelphia. This game features last year’s Heisman Trophy winner in DeVonta Smith and should be a fun offensive shootout.