NFL
Season Outlook:
A 3-14 record in 2025. The fewest points. The fewest yards. All that went right for the Raiders was they got the No. 1 pick and used it on the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. There’s no clear timetable on when Fernando Mendoza will succeed Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback. But given that the focus for new head coach Klint Kubiak is to lay the groundwork for this large-scale rebuild.
What's Changed:
Klint Kubiak goes from the defending champion Seahawks to land his first NFL head-coaching opportunity. Geno Smith was traded to the Jets to make room for Mendoza and the veteran Cousins. The Raiders upgraded their offensive line by signing former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal and added wideout Jalen Nailor. Maxx Crosby was traded to Baltimore…until he wasn’t. A failed physical called it all off before it was official.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
The Raiders’ receiver room needs someone to emerge, especially when Brock Bowers gets the lion’s share of attention from opposing defenses. Tre Tucker might be the one. At 5’8” and 182 pounds, he has more toughness than others his size along with better-than-average route running. Ashton Jeanty should have bigger holes to run through – so long as his own body doesn’t betray him. A preseason injury adds a major asterisk to the hopes of second-year improvement, but Jeanty is about to have a much better offensive line than he got in 2025.
Key Question:
How long before Mendoza starts? Considering the state of the franchise, there was little reason to hand the car keys to Mendoza from the jump. Cousins can at least establish some stability. But if the 38-year-old struggles, the cries for the rookie to take over will be loud. Regardless, the answer is “when” and not “if.”
Prediction:
Klint Kubiak brings the organization some semblance of credibility. The Raiders go 5-12 with a long-term path to success. Mendoza takes over the starting job before the midway point – maybe even as soon as Week 4. Bowers develops a strong connection with his new QB and gets his second 100-catch, 1,000-yard effort in three seasons.
X-Factor:
Maxx Crosby was this close to becoming a Raven. Vegas should be glad to have him back because he anchors a defense with very little else. Was the failed physical a real red flag? Or will he come back healthy – and the same edge rusher that makes him a game wrecker? That could swing the Raiders’ record in either direction.
Final Scorecard:
- Offense: 5
- Defense: 6
- Coaching: 6.5
- X-Factor Upside: 7
- Schedule Strength: 6