The 2020 NFL schedule has been released, and the Las Vegas Raiders are trying to topple the defending-champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
In 2019, the Las Vegas Raiders finished 7-9 and in third place in the AFC West. While they were unable to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs, they were competitive in most other games and showed signs of significant improvement as the season went on.
The Raiders brought in veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota to challenge and push incumbent starter Derek Carr and invested heavily in speed throughout free agency and the NFL Draft.
Is it enough to challenge Kansas City? Are either Carr or Mariota the answer for Jon Gruden and the Raiders? 2020 should give us some answers.
Weeks 1-4
Final
Las Vegas Raiders
31
Carolina Panthers
20
Jon Gruden takes advantage of a rookie NFL coach in new Panthers head Matt Rhule “welcome to the NFL” moment. The Raiders use offensive skill players to confuse and confound a young Panther defense, and a variety of blitzes to hold the offense in check. Everything comes together for Las Vegas in this one, and they roll.
Final
New Orleans Saints
29
Las Vegas Raiders
21
The Raiders, of course, would prefer to win this one. But, consider the Saints reside amongst the NFL’s elite, Las Vegas and fans should be happy keeping the game close enough to make it a one score contest. Ultimately there is little drama here as Drew Brees and Co. pick them apart.
Final
Las Vegas Raiders
26
New England Patriots
23
The Patriots have lived and died with their ability to make big plays when it mattered most. But now, they do not have a Hall of Fame quarterback and they’re devoid of talent throughout much of the offense. The Raiders are built to take advantage of teams with slow speed, and in this one they’re able to get it going and pull it out.
Final
Buffalo Bills
26
Las Vegas Raiders
21
The Raiders are being built to beat teams like the Bills. Unfortunately, they’re not there yet. Josh Allen is ahead of the Raiders secondary in terms of development; and the Bills defense is stout enough to box in the Raiders offense. The game is played close, but it never really feels like Vegas has a legitimate chance to threaten.