NFL
Las Vegas Raiders: Commitment to Excellence in a New Era
Las Vegas Raiders: Commitment to Excellence in a New Era
IFew franchises in professional sports carry the mystique and rebellious image of the Raiders. Founded in 1960 as a charter member of the AFL, the team struggled early, cycling through coaches and identities before Al Davis took control in 1963. Davis, with his bold āJust Win, Babyā philosophy, redefined the Raiders and set them on a path toward becoming one of footballās most iconic brands.
Under Davis, the Raiders became known for their distinctive silver-and-black uniforms, pirate logo, and renegade mentality. The franchise embodied toughness and swagger, attracting both stars and castoffs who found success in the Raidersā system. Their loyal fan base, famously dubbed the āRaider Nation,ā grew into one of the most passionate and intimidating in sports.
On the field, the Raiders established themselves as a powerhouse in the 1970s and early 1980s. They won Super Bowl XI in 1977, Super Bowl XV in 1981, and Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, led by legendary figures like quarterback Ken Stabler, coach John Madden, and running back Marcus Allen. These teams cemented the Raidersā image as gritty, physical, and unapologetically aggressive.
The franchiseās journey has been nomadic. After two decades in Oakland, Davis relocated the Raiders to Los Angeles in 1982, only to return to Oakland in 1995. Following Al Davisā passing in 2011, ownership transferred to his son, Mark Davis, who pursued a bold vision to bring the team to Las Vegas. In 2020, the Raiders officially became the Las Vegas Raiders, opening Allegiant Stadium and marking a new chapter in franchise history. While the team has not returned to Super Bowl glory in decades, its identity and mystique remain intact.
Trivia: The Raiders are the only NFL team to have played in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
Rivalries
The Raidersā rivalries are among the fiercest in football, defined as much by hatred and physicality as by competition. Their most historic rivalry is with the Kansas City Chiefs, dating back to the AFL days. ChiefsāRaiders matchups are often brutal, emotional affairs, with both sides fueled by decades of animosity. The rivalry has produced unforgettable moments, including playoff clashes and regular-season upsets.
Another deep-rooted rivalry exists with the Denver Broncos. These teams spent decades battling for AFC West supremacy, with bad blood often spilling over into heated confrontations. RaidersāBroncos games are known for being unpredictable, regardless of records, and the thin air of Denver or the desert heat of Las Vegas only adds to the drama.
The Los Angeles/Las Vegas Chargers also share a long rivalry with the Raiders, made more intense by the shared California history when both teams competed for fans in the same state. Games between the Raiders and Chargers are marked by wild momentum swings and high-scoring affairs, especially in recent years with quarterbacks like Justin Herbert raising the stakes.
Outside of the AFC West, the Raiders maintain a notable rivalry with the New England Patriots, largely fueled by the infamous āTuck Rule Gameā in the 2002 playoffs. That controversial call denied the Raiders a chance at the Super Bowl and cemented a grudge that Raider Nation has never forgotten.
Trivia: The Raidersā rivalry with the Chiefs is so heated that some fans and analysts consider it the NFLās closest equivalent to a college-style blood feud.
Las Vegas Raiders: Ownership
The Raidersā identity is inseparable from the Davis family. Al Davis, who served as head coach, general manager, and eventually principal owner, was a revolutionary figure in professional football. He was a maverick who pushed boundaries, challenged authority, and fought for diversity and inclusion. Davis was the first NFL owner to hire a Black head coach (Art Shell), a Latino head coach (Tom Flores), and a female chief executive (Amy Trask). His mantra of āCommitment to Excellenceā and āJust Win, Babyā became synonymous with the Raidersā brand.
Following Al Davisā death in 2011, his son, Mark Davis, assumed control. Though not as hands-on as his father, Mark has carved his own legacy, most notably by orchestrating the franchiseās relocation to Las Vegas. Under his leadership, the Raiders opened Allegiant Stadium, signed high-profile coaches and players, and revitalized the business side of the organization.
The move to Las Vegas has transformed the Raiders into one of the leagueās most financially valuable teams, positioning them in a booming sports and entertainment market. While purists in Oakland lament the relocation, the Davis familyās influence on the Raidersā past and present is undeniable.
Trivia: Al Davis is the only executive in NFL history to serve as a coach, general manager, commissioner (of the AFL), and owner.
Watch Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders now play at Allegiant Stadium, nicknamed the āDeath Star,ā a futuristic $1.9 billion venue located just off the Las Vegas Strip. Opened in 2020, the stadium has become a centerpiece of the cityās rapidly growing sports scene, hosting NFL games, major concerts, and even the 2024 Super Bowl.
Allegiant Stadium seats around 65,000 fans and features a translucent roof, a retractable side wall with views of the Strip, and one of the most advanced sound and lighting systems in sports. A unique feature is the 85-foot torch honoring Al Davisā legacy, which is lit before every game.
Despite being a new addition to the NFL landscape, Allegiant Stadium has quickly earned a reputation for its energy and spectacle. With Las Vegas as a destination city, Raider games often attract not only local fans but also visitors from across the country, creating a unique mix of Raider Nation diehards and opposing fans turning games into weekend events.
Trivia: Allegiant Stadium is one of only a few NFL venues without an official corporate naming partner for its field ā it remains āAllegiant Stadiumā in full, preserving the simplicity of its brand.
Las Vegas Raiders: This Season
The Las Vegas Raiders head into their 56th NFL season in 2025, looking to rebound from a 4-13 record in 2024 that extended their playoff absence to three years. Under first-year head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, with part-owner Tom Brady shaping roster decisions, the Raiders are blending veteran acquisitions with a promising rookie class. With a favorable schedule in a tough AFC West, Las Vegas aims to end a 22-year drought without a playoff win or division title.
The Raidersā offense is led by quarterback Geno Smith, acquired via trade from the Seattle Seahawks in March 2025. Smith threw for 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 2024, bringing mobility and experience to offensive coordinator Chip Kellyās fast-paced, spread system. Aidan OāConnell, the 2024 starter, is sidelined on the Reserve/Injured list with a wrist injury (6-8 weeks recovery), with rookie Cam Miller as the backup.
The running game centers on rookie Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick from Boise State, who projects as a three-down back after rushing for over 1,400 yards in college in 2024. Zamir White, with 704 yards last season, serves as the RB2, praised by Carroll for his physicality, while Dylan Laube adds special teams value. The offensive line, anchored by center Cody Meredith and rookie right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, is solid but thin at tackle after Thayer Munford Jr.ās waiver.
The receiving corps features Jakobi Meyers, who led with 1,047 yards in 2024, alongside Tre Tucker and rookie Jack Bech (No. 58 overall pick). Dontāe Thornton Jr. brings deep-threat speed, and Tommy Mellott adds depth. Tight end Brock Bowers, a 2024 first-rounder, is the primary target (projected 80+ catches), supported by Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas. The offense, which ranked 26th in points per game (18.6) in 2024, aims to reach the top 15 with Kellyās innovative play-calling and Smithās leadership.
Coordinated by Patrick Graham, the Raidersā defense ranked 22nd in yards allowed (351.2 per game) in 2024 but showed late-season promise. Defensive tackle Adam Butler returns, joined by Thomas Booker IV (acquired from Philadelphia) and rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues. Jonah Laulu and Leki Fotu provide depth, replacing Christian Wilkins. Edge rusher Maxx Crosby, a 2024 Pro Bowler with 8.5 sacks, is the unitās cornerstone, though his health is key after playing through injuries.
Linebackers Robert Spillane (128 tackles in 2024) and Divine Deablo anchor the second level. The secondary includes cornerback Darien Porter (No. 68 overall pick) and veteran Jack Jones, with Isaiah Pola-Mao and Lonnie Johnson Jr. (returning later from a broken leg) at safety. The defenseās 41 sacks and 15 takeaways in 2024 could rise with Grahamās aggressive schemes and rookie contributions, targeting a top-15 ranking.
The Raiders face the NFLās 6th-easiest schedule (.471 opponent win percentage based on 2024). They open at the New England Patriots (Week 1, September 7) and face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 (Monday Night Football). Divisional games against the Kansas City Chiefs (Weeks 5 and 17), Chargers (Week 13), and Denver Broncos (Weeks 9 and 15) are critical, as Las Vegas went 2-4 in the AFC West last season. A Week 10 home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Week 16 clash with the New York Jets carry playoff implications.
Challenges include integrating Smith into Kellyās system and addressing offensive line depth at tackle. The running game must compensate for the absence of Raheem Mostert, who is with Miami. Red-zone efficiency (47.3% touchdown rate, 27th) needs improvement. Defensively, stopping the run (4.6 yards per carry allowed) and generating pressure beyond Crosby are priorities. Carrollās experience and Spytekās 14 practice squad additions aim to bridge these gaps.
Oddsmakers project the Raiders to win 6-7 games, with +4000 Super Bowl LX odds, reflecting their rebuilding phase. The AFC West is dominated by Kansas City, but a struggling Denver and inconsistent Chargers offer openings. Fans on X predict 7-9 wins, citing Bowersā potential and Smithās fit, though some question the offensive line and defensive depth. A bold prediction from ESPN has Jeanty rushing for 1,300 yards, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
A wild-card berth is possible if the Raiders split divisional games and capitalize on matchups against the Patriots, Giants, and Saints. A playoff win is a long shot, but a 7-8 win season would mark progress under Carroll. The Raidersā young core and veteran leadership position them as a potential AFC spoiler.
Las Vegas Raiders: Key Players to Watch
Geno Smith (QB): His veteran presence and mobility drive the offenseās potential.
Ashton Jeanty (RB): The rookieās three-down ability anchors the run game.
Jakobi Meyers (WR): His consistent production leads the receiving corps.
Maxx Crosby (EDGE): The Pro Bowl pass-rusher is the defenseās heart.
Brock Bowers (TE): The tight endās receiving prowess is a key weapon.
Adam Butler (DT): His interior disruption bolsters the defensive line.
Tre Tucker (WR): His speed adds explosiveness to the passing attack.
Trivia: Maxx Crosby earned the nickname āThe Condorā because of his long wingspan and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks.
Las Vegas Raiders: What to Follow
Looking ahead, Raider fans and analysts are watching several key storylines. The quarterback situation looms largest ā finding a franchise-caliber player at the most important position will determine whether the team can truly compete with rivals like Kansas City and Buffalo. If the Raiders can solidify that role, they have the surrounding talent and coaching to rise quickly.
Another storyline is the continued development of head coach Antonio Pierce. Can he channel the Raidersā gritty past into sustainable success in modern football? Raider Nation is cautiously optimistic, hoping Pierce can become the long-term leader the team has lacked for years.
Off the field, the Raidersā presence in Las Vegas will continue to shape their identity. Allegiant Stadium, the global entertainment capital, and the allure of Raider Nation combine to make the franchise one of the NFLās most marketable brands. The balance between honoring their Oakland legacy and embracing the Las Vegas spotlight will define the Raidersā narrative in the years ahead.
Ultimately, the Raidersā future hinges on whether they can pair their iconic image and passionate fan base with consistent on-field results. If they succeed, the Raidersā next chapter may rival the glory days of Madden, Stabler, and Allen.
Trivia: Raider Nation is known for its intimidating costumes and game-day personas, with the āBlack Holeā section of the stadium housing the loudest, most passionate, and most elaborately dressed fans in the NFL.