The Raiders announced their 2025 NFL schedule on Monday, revealing a grueling combination of home and away games as the team embarks on a new chapter under general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll. The moves follow a 6-11 season in 2024, extending the team’s playoff drought to three years.
Carroll, 73, signed a four-year contract to replace interim coach Antonio Pierce after spending 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. His hiring marks the Raiders’ sixth coaching change since Jon Gruden’s 2018 return. Spytek, previously the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ vice president of player personnel, inherits a roster holding the No. 6 overall draft pick—the team’s highest selection since drafting Khalil Mack fifth overall in 2014.
The Raiders’ 2025 schedule includes nine home games at Allegiant Stadium, with six opponents coming off losing seasons. Non-divisional matchups feature the Titans (3-14 in 2024), Browns (6-11), Giants (5-12), Jaguars (7-10), Bears (7-10), and Cowboys (7-10). Divisional home games against AFC West rivals Denver, Kansas City, and the Los Angeles Chargers round out the slate.
Road contests provide stiffer challenges: six opponents reached the 2024 playoffs, including the Eagles (14-3) and Texans (12-5). Naturally, Las Vegas betting odds tend to reflect the uphill battle that faces the Raiders, as they face formidable rosters on hostile turf. The team will also visit the Commanders (9-8), Colts (9-8), Patriots (8-9), and Chiefs (11-6), along with AFC West trips to Denver and Los Angeles.
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell returns for his third season after passing for 3,902 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024. The team added depth through reserve/future signings, including Chargers running back Isaiah Spiller and former Falcons practice squad cornerback Keenan Isaac.
Division rivals remain formidable. Kansas City aims for its third consecutive Super Bowl title behind Patrick Mahomes, while Denver’s Bo Nix—the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year—seeks to build on a 10-7 playoff campaign. Under second-year coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers fielded the NFL’s fourth-ranked defense last season.
Key non-division opponents face uncertainties. Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson continues rehabbing a torn Achilles suffered in Week 6 of 2024. Washington’s Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall draft pick, enters his sophomore season under defensive-minded coach Dan Quinn. Philadelphia retains core starters Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Haason Reddick despite last season’s NFC Championship Game exit.
Five Raiders opponents hired new head coaches this offseason, including Chicago’s Ben Johnson (formerly Detroit’s offensive coordinator) and Dallas’ Brian Schottenheimer (Seattle’s ex-offensive coordinator). Jacksonville named Kentucky’s Liam Coen as its seventh head coach since 2018.
The Raiders’ preseason begins August 9 against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. As the team readies for the regular-season kickoff on September 4, Weekly NFL Matchups to Watch on FanDuel offer fans a broader league perspective on which opponents might rise as dark horses or fade under pressure.
This preseason lead-up, alongside ongoing roster evaluations, will be critical for head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek as they gauge early signs of the Raiders’ potential in 2025. Dates and times for individual games are expected to be announced later this spring.
The Road Ahead
As the Raiders gear up for the 2025 season, the pieces are being assembled for a potential resurgence. This preseason lead-up and ongoing roster evaluations will be critical for head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek as they assess early indicators of the team’s potential. The Raiders will face a challenging schedule, playing nine home games and eight road games against a mix of division rivals and interconference opponents. With a blend of returning talent, strategic acquisitions, and a revamped coaching staff, the team is focused on establishing a foundation for sustained success.
The road ahead will undoubtedly present obstacles, but with the right strategy and a dedication to progress, the Raiders aim to surpass expectations and leave their mark on the upcoming NFL season.
The post Las Vegas Raiders 2025 Season Preview: Can They Contend for the Playoffs? appeared first on Raiders Newswire.