The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-0 to begin the 2026 NFL season, and they are putting up impressive numbers on both offense and defense. This is a testament to the new coaching staff for taking this team to the next level and producing on both sides of the ball.
And it shows in the analytics, especially on defense. Rob Leonard’s defensive scheme is shining after the first two games, and the advanced stats back up what the eye test can easily tell you. If the Raiders keep performing at a high level, they could become the NFL's surprise team this season.
On offense, fans saw the team maintain its efficiency in Week 2 while adding more explosive plays. Klint Kubiak made it an emphasis heading into this week, and it came through on the field. Heading on the road to the New Orleans Saints, they have to keep the momentum going after a great start.
Let’s deep dive into the stats that stood out after Week 2's big win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders have two elite marks in advanced stats after Week 2
The Raiders are No. 1 in the NFL in EPA per play
One of the newest metrics in football is expected points added. It measures a team's efficiency down to the down and accounts for multiple factors. After two weeks, the Raiders' defense is dominating and leads the NFL in EPA per play. They are No. 1.
Their efficiency comes from forcing turnovers and creating havoc in the pass game. The Raiders lead the league in sack and pressure rate, which is creating plenty of negative EPA for opposing offenses. Add that in with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, and the Raiders are dominating.
While it is early in the season, Leonard's return has been great. He is maximizing the talent on the field, and it can only get better from here.
Kirk Cousins excels downfield
In Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled to throw downfield. Last Sunday, fans got a different experience, as Cousins shined, tossing several deep balls to Tre Tucker.
Cousins was 8-for-12 for 181 yards and three touchdowns throwing the ball past 10 yards. He was precise and accurate downfield, with one incompletion (an interception) caused by a player slipping on the turf. If Cousins can consistently throw downfield, it opens up the whole offense.
When the Raiders get explosive plays, it makes Kubiak happy because that is what his offense is all about. As much as he loves establishing the run, he loves his shot plays. The hope is that it continues into next week and all season. But Las Vegas has two elite metrics to hang its hat on in the early going.
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