As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the 2025 season, a new chapter begins under the leadership of Pete Carroll, bringing with it a renewed sense of optimism for a franchise that has long struggled to find consistency.
The Raiders have not reached the playoffs since 2021 and are coming off three consecutive losing seasons. But with Carroll at the helm, expectations are shifting. Known for building tough, resilient teams during his tenure in Seattle, Carroll now faces the challenge of instilling a similar gritty culture in Las Vegas—and returning the franchise to relevance.
One of the most notable offseason moves was the acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith, giving the team a significant upgrade under center. Smith, who revitalized his career with the Seahawks, reunites with Carroll in a move that brings both experience and leadership to the quarterback room.
Still, the path to contention won’t be easy. According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Raiders face the 15th-toughest schedule in the NFL, and the sixth-toughest in the AFC, based on projected 2025 win totals from Vegas oddsmakers. This forward-looking method is considered more accurate than using 2024 records, given the dramatic roster changes that take place each offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders 2025 Opponents: 15th Toughest Schedule
The full NFL schedule is set to be released on May 14, but the Raiders’ 2025 opponents are already confirmed. The Raiders over/under win total is set for 6.5.
Home Games:
Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears
Away Games:
Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots
Securing a playoff spot in 2025 would mark a major turnaround for Las Vegas and could validate the team’s bold offseason decisions. Whether or not the transformation sticks, one thing is clear: there’s genuine excitement in Las Vegas for the first time in years.
As Carroll’s inaugural season with the Raiders approaches, the blend of new talent, veteran leadership, and an established coaching presence has the fanbase hopeful. The results, however, will hinge on how quickly the team can gel—and how well it handles one of the tougher slates in the league.
Will this be the season the Raiders finally flip the script?
