As a diehard Las Vegas Raiders fan, it can be hard to avoid seeing the world through Silver and Black lenses. That's why, ahead of the Raiders' Week 1 game vs. the Miami Dolphins, we have once again leaned on the expertise of our sister site, Phin Phanatic, and its site expert, Shayne Kubas.
From the view in Las Vegas, the Dolphins are an easily beatable team, at home no less, and Klint Kubiak's squad should start off on the right foot. But the sentiment down in Miami is the same: this is a game that Jeff Hafley's team can win against a favorable opponent in the Raiders.
So, we break it down and hear from someone who covers our opponent in the first installment of our weekly preview series during the 2026 NFL season: Across the Bow.
Preview of Raiders-Dolphins in Week 1 with Phin Phanatic's Shayne Kubas
Q: With Brock Bowers suddenly being out, how do you think that changes the Dolphins' defensive approach? It has to ease some concerns.
A: It definitely changes the math defensively for Miami. Rookie Chris Johnson is expected to be the primary nickel corner, so he likely would have been tasked with slowing him down with help from the linebackers. Now, I think Jeff Hafley might get more aggressive by sending the backers on third downs, especially without Bowers as a threat.
Our take: With Bowers out, the Raiders lose their biggest advantage. Without him, this team will be forced to learn a lot about itself. Thankfully, Michael Mayer is a great backup, and the Dolphins still have a weak secondary.
Q: How did Malik Willis look this offseason, and is there any optimism about him and this set of pass-catching weapons?
A: Willis has largely been impressive, especially as a leader for a very young team. His raw talent jumps off the screen. As far as the pass catchers, I would say there is more hope than real optimism about their chances to succeed in year one. Having Chris Bell healthy to start the year helps, but there is almost no established talent at receiver or tight end.
Our take: Miami's pass-catching group does have hope, but it is far-fetched that they'll become true difference-makers in Year 1, especially this early and with some veteran help in Las Vegas' secondary. This is a great initial matchup for the Raiders' young defensive backs.
Q: Just how reliant will Miami be on De'Von Achane offensively? Do you feel like the Raiders' front 7 is strong enough to slow him down?
A: Hafley joked earlier this summer about him getting 40 touches a game. Even if he was being hyperbolic, it may not be that far-fetched. He is their only established star at any of the skill positions. The Raiders are probably more equipped to slow him down than last year, but I expect him to give them fits.
Our take: Achane is a legitimate threat, and certainly the player in Miami that the team and fanbase should be most worried about. The Raiders have to sell out and stop him, forcing others to beat them, or it could get ugly.
Q: What does the outlook look like for the Dolphins' OL? I know it's a young group with a few question marks.
A: There are absolutely question marks, but not as many as people would expect. 2026 first-round pick Kadyn Proctor is an unknown, especially moving to guard after being a left tackle at Alabama, and Austin Jackson is always an injury risk. But Aaron Brewer is a star at center, Patrick Paul is on his way to being a great left tackle, and Jonah Savaiinaea looks much better now that he is back on the right side of the line after a terrible rookie season. Don't be surprised if they give the Raiders trouble up front.
Our take: Miami, again, has some promise up front, but they are far from a proven group, outside of Brewer. Maxx Crosby and the pass rush can have a big game and completely throw the Dolphins' offense out of their rhythm, and Paul has already given Crosby bulletin-board material.
Q: The cornerback room is a bit of a concern for Miami, if I'm not mistaken. Are fans optimistic about the matchup against an unproven Raiders WR corps on Sunday?
A: Fans are rightfully concerned about the secondary as a whole, but the corners especially have a lot of questions to answer. I think facing an unproven Raiders receiving corps is a good way for them to earn confidence, but facing a veteran QB like Kirk Cousins could still prove difficult.
Our take: In the same way that this is a good way for the Dolphins' young DBs to earn confidence, this is a big opportunity for the Raiders' wide receiver corps to earn confidence. Neither of these groups is proven, so we'll see how it shakes out on Sunday.
Q: Who is an underrated Dolphins player who could tilt the balance in your favor in Week 1?
A: Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips is the one who comes to mind. With Bowers out, Ashton Jeanty becomes the biggest threat the Raiders have to offer. Phillips is the best run defender among the current interior group for Miami, so how well he holds up will be huge for their chances of winning.
Our take: Phillips was mentioned in our piece about the Dolphins' surprisingly stout run defense, and he's certainly a player to watch. But with Tyler Linderbaum on the interior and a solid set of guards in Spencer Burford and Jackson Powers-Johnson, Las Vegas should be able to neutralize him.
Q: Miami is a young team with a new head coach. What has the identity been for them in the early going, and what will Miami hang its hat on?
A: It's all about toughness and discipline under Hafley so far. He has made it very clear that the lack of developed talent puts Miami at a disadvantage, but that won't stop them from playing hard or smart. I expect them to hang their hat on being as physical as possible on both sides of the ball.
Our take: Physicality shouldn't bug this Raiders team, as they've put an emphasis on toughness and competing this offseason. Unlike Las Vegas teams of the past, this one seems built to throw other teams around, and not vice versa.
Q: What is your final score prediction?
A: At the risk of sounding biased, I have Miami pulling out a close 21-17 victory. I think losing Bowers will be a tough blow for Klint Kubiak's offense, and Miami will ride their running game and a few key throws from Willis to a win on the road.
Our take: I appreciate the homerism, as I am about to do the same thing: I think the Raiders will overcome the loss of Bowers and win 24-13 on the back of a great run game and a stout defensive effort.
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