If you aren't chomping at the bit to watch the Las Vegas Raiders kick off the 2026 NFL season against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, then I don't know what to tell you. This AFC matchup will be the first of the Klint Kubiak era, and hopefully a harbinger of much success to come for the Silver and Black.
And in many ways, this is a favorable matchup for the Raiders to draw on opening weekend before the schedule gets quite a bit more intimidating. Miami, in a much more extreme way than Las Vegas, is rebuilding, as they have even less proven talent and more question marks on their roster.
Week 1 is notoriously a liar, as fans remember the Pete Carroll-led Raiders taking down the eventual conference champion New England Patriots before losing 14 of their next 15 games. It's tough to read too much into the first game of the season, as the sample size is small and freak things happen.
But this should be a fun game for the team and fanbase, as a new chapter is beginning in Las Vegas. To follow along, stay right here, as we've got you covered with the latest injury updates, storylines to watch, expert predictions, and more.
- How to watch Raiders vs. Dolphins in Week 1
- Raiders injury report for Week 1
- Dolphins injury report for Week 1
- Biggest Raiders storylines heading into Week 1
- Predictions for Raiders vs. Dolphins in Week 1
Last updated: Sunday, September 13 at 05:00 am PT.
How to watch Raiders vs. Dolphins in Week 1
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1:25 p.m. PT
- TV Network: FOX
- Announcers: Chris Myers (Play-by-Play), Mark Schlereth (Analyst)
Get used to watching the Raiders in the late window on Sunday, as Las Vegas has zero primetime or standalone games, and only three in the early window. Late season schedule changes can happen, but I'd get comfortable and get into a routine, folks.
Raiders injury report for Week 1
Name | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Brock Bowers | TE | Knee | OUT |
Ashton Jeanty | RB | Ankle | - |
Bowers, of course, will be out on Sunday after surprising news surfaced that he had a meniscus trim on Tuesday. Thankfully, though, Jeanty will be full-go against Miami.
Dolphins injury report for Week 1
Name | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Ronnie Harrison Jr. | ILB | Hamstring | - |
Will Kacmarek | TE | Calf | - |
Seydou Traore | TE | Thumb/Achilles | - |
Dante Trader Jr. | SAF | Hamstring | - |
Biggest Raiders storylines heading into Week 1
Who steps up in Brock Bowers' absence?
It cannot be overstated just how big a loss Bowers is for this offense. Not only is he the starting tight end, but he's the No. 1 target in the passing game and the centerpiece of the attack that Klint Kubiak had planned. He was also the center of the game plan for the Dolphins' defense.
But Michael Mayer was not extended on Saturday for no reason; he should prove that he's a top tight end in the league during Sunday's contest. And it will be a group effort, as receivers like Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech should see increased snaps and pass-catching opportunities in Week 1.
There is no such thing as replacing Bowers, at least not with a single person, but the Raiders can achieve this by committee against a shaky Miami secondary. If nobody answers the call, it could get dicey for the Las Vegas offense. But on the back of a strong run game, they should have enough.
How improved is the offensive line?
Last year's offensive line was a disaster of epic proportions, as they couldn't protect the quarterback or pave lanes in the run game. It was a disjointed effort with inferior talent and clueless coaching compared to what the Raiders have in the building this year. At least on paper.
The preseason would indicate that Las Vegas' group up front is dramatically better with the additions of Tyler Linderbaum and Spencer Burford, as well as the return of a healthy Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson. Led by Rick Dennison, it's hard to imagine that this group could be any worse.
They have to go prove that on the field against an external opponent's first-string defense, though. So, for as much hype as this unit has received, and rightfully so, Sunday will be a big test for them, as they should dominate this matchup. If they don't, it's not the end of the world. But let's hope they do.
What can Kirk Cousins do at quarterback?
Cousins is arguably the biggest wild card for the Raiders, as it remains to be seen what version of the quarterback the team will get. The steady veteran who knows the offense like the back of his hand, or the aging signal-caller with dwindling arm strength and fleeting athleticism, if he ever had any?
Fernando Mendoza is waiting in the wings, and the fanbase isn't going to put up with any poor play from Cousins. And the organization shouldn't hesitate to put Mendoza in the game if Cousins struggles, as the coaching staff has called him "game-ready" on multiple occasions.
It's not like Las Vegas is going to pull the veteran halfway through Week 1, but every game is a test for Cousins, and if he fails, it won't be long until the rookie gets the keys. Because he's starting, the hope should be that he plays well, but it's far from a guarantee that Cousins rekindles the flame of his past.
Predictions for Raiders vs. Dolphins in Week 1
ESPN Experts
Matt Bowen - Raiders
Mike Clay - Raiders
Jeremy Fowler - Raiders
Dan Graziano - Raiders
Pamela Maldonado - Raiders
Eric Moody - Raiders
Jason Reid - Raiders
Ben Solak - Raiders
Lindsey Thiry - Raiders
Seth Wickersham - Raiders
Kalyn Kahler - Dolphins
NFL Media
Colleen Wolfe - Raiders
Kevin Patra - Raiders
Bucky Brooks - Raiders
Brandon Perna - Raiders
Dan Parr - Raiders
Lance Zierlein - Raiders
Tom Grossi - Raiders
Nick Shook - Raiders
Grant Gordon - Raiders
Brooke Cersosimo - Raiders
Bleacher Report Picks
Gary Davenport - Raiders
Brad Gagnon - Raiders
Kristopher Knox - Raiders
Moe Moton - Raiders
Brent Sobleski - Raiders
Wes O'Donnell - Dolphins
Ian Hanford - Dolphins
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