The NFL schedules have officially been released and we now know official dates. Take your days off, book your trips, and it’s time for kickoff! With that being said, the Raiders opponents and dates are confirmed. No schedule predictions (save that for another date), but here are my favorite games on deck that aren’t all divisional games.

Week 1: at New England Patriots

Tom Brady, ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders and the Patriots’ greatest player of all time. Also, Hello old friend. Just kidding, Josh McDaniels has no friends of the fan base that’s for sure.

This is a great matchup to have for the first week of football. Former coach taking on his former stomping grounds. The Raiders also step foot into the house that Brady built and take on Drake Maye and the Patriots.

This game features some very young talents in Maye and Raiders new running back Ashton Jeanty, which could be very appealing.

Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles

What a challenge this presents, especially at the tail end of the season. The Raiders travel to the east coast, where they typically struggle and take on the defending champions. This is a team that drafts well and also still has all the pieces from its championship team intact (for the most part).

Depending where the Raiders are in the standings, this is a huge game and a huge test. A great RB duel between Jeanty and Saquon Barkley will be fun. But this game will be tough and exciting.

Week 11: vs Dallas Cowboys (MNF)

Nothing better than being under the bright lights and on prime time. Raiders, Cowboys, some electrifying stars, it really does not get much better than that.

Lamb, Bowers. Crosby and Parsons. Get the popcorn ready.

Week 18: vs Kansas City Chiefs

Every game is a big game against a division opponent. Despite being more superior to the Raiders, the Raiders have competed against the Chiefs quite well.

Imagine this; Raiders v Chiefs in Vegas for the division on the line. Man, what a time to be alive.

Week 4: vs Chicago Bears

The guy that the Raiders had interest in with Ben Johnson is on deck for an opponent early in the year. This is a Bears team that could look wildly different and also an improved team.

This game is exciting overall. A good measuring stick game for the Raiders and against an opponent they should overall defeat.