Hopes were certainly high that the Las Vegas Raiders would be an improved team during the 2026 NFL season. But fans rightfully went into the year with low expectations and an eye on improvement and trusting the process more than seeing wins or results as the bottom line.
But the team's unanticipated 2-0 start has been an added bonus, and it has Raider Nation looking at the upcoming schedule in a completely different light. Instead of trying to survive and be competitive in these games, the Silver and Black are now deemed to have a legitimate chance to win.
The road ahead certainly isn't easy, but Las Vegas' prospects look a lot better than before. With that in mind, we are going to predict the results of the next three contests for Klint Kubiak's team, which will be on the road against the Saints, at home versus the Chiefs, and away against the Patriots.
Predicting Las Vegas Raiders' next 3 games after 2-0 start
Week 3 - Raiders @ Saints
New Orleans will come into this game with confidence after their comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens last week, and the Superdome will be raucous in the home opener. But the Saints are streaky, and the Raiders have been consistent in the early going, so they could pull this one out on the road.
Tyler Shough looks good, and Brandon Staley's defense is doing well against the pass. But the Saints' run defense has been bad thus far, and Las Vegas can exploit that. Plus, their rushing attack has not come together yet, so the Raiders can have a bounce-back game after a rough showing in Week 2.
Prediction: Raiders win 28-17
Record: 3-0
Week 4 - Raiders vs. Chiefs
Kansas City, by all accounts, is back. And to make matters worse, they now have a legitimate rushing attack led by Kenneth Walker III and Emmett Johnson, while Patrick Mahomes proved that he can still sling it in Week 2. Andy Reid is a veteran play-caller, and he could pose issues for Rob Leonard's unit.
On the other side, the Chiefs' defense has been inconsistent, but their offense could control the ball via the run game and throw off Las Vegas' rhythm. Stuff always goes wrong against Kansas City, and while this isn't the same old Raiders, it should be close. But Kubiak's team may not escape with a win.
Prediction: Chiefs win 26-21
Record: 3-1
Week 5 - Raiders @ Patriots
Call me crazy, but this Patriots team does not move me. Their defense has looked good so far, but it has faced Drew Lock and an ancient Aaron Rodgers. Plus, without A.J. Brown, this offense is basically the same as it was last year, and Drake Maye seems to have taken a step back or lost his touch early.
New England's defense is still very good, but Kubiak knew how to exploit it last year in the Super Bowl, and I think he'll do that just enough times to pull out a victory in Week 5. Josh McDaniels crumbled against the Raiders last year, and he will do that again in 2026. Las Vegas wins a low-scoring game.
Prediction: Raiders win 16-13
Record: 4-1
Now, this may be overly optimistic, but does it sound at all crazy that the Silver and Black win two of the next three and end up 4-1 before a brutal two-game home stretch? Not anymore; it doesn't. Regardless, none of these games should be blowouts, so the Raiders will be in three close contests.
And playing good teams is just what this young roster needs, as learning how to win is half the battle in the NFL.
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