Here’s the way too early predictions for the Raiders 2025 season. It should be better than before, but the schedule is really tough, especially at the end of the season. Here’s how I see things shake out.

Week 1: at Patriots

This is appointment television. The Raiders get to step into the house that Tom Brady built and play a football game. It would be poetic to see Josh McDaniels pout after Patrick Grahams defense gives his offense fits and gets all over Drake Maye.

I’ll always root for Drake Maye (being a native of North Carolina), but not this week. I believe this will be a game won in the trenches. If the Raiders can hold the Patriots to their lackluster pass rush ways, it’ll help open things up offensively.

The Patriots do have a good defense and one of the best young corners in the game. I think with this new look Raiders offense, they can sneak out a victory.

Prediction: Raiders win 24-21

Week 2: vs Chargers (MNF)

I love division games. This rivalry is great and it’s fun to watch. But man these Harbaugh built chargers are much more physical and they simply pound you and win the battle in the trenches. The Raiders lost both games last season, being out scored 56-30. To put it lightly, they beat the snot out of the Raiders.

I smell redemption to start the season and I think the Raiders put on a show for the fans for their home opener and secure a late victory.

Prediction: Raiders win 28-24

Week 3: at Commanders

I am going to call a spade a spade here. The Raiders are taking on the runner up in the NFC from a year ago. A more polished player in Jayden Daniels and with the travel the club will already have and a short week, this smells like a loss. I believe in the Raiders defense, but for an offense that now has Deebo Samuel and Scary Terry, oh boy.

Prediction: Raiders lose 34-21

Week 4: vs Bears

You gotta love back to back measuring stick games for this Raiders squad. At this given rate, we will see how Ben Johnson looks in his first stint as the Bears head coach and what type of offense they will run. Year 2 of Caleb Williams will be an x-factor in this game.

The Bears defense could be better under an entirely new scheme. The last time the Raiders played the Bears, they got smoked and it was one of the most embarrassing losses of the McDaniels tenure.

This one’s a coin flip. But a game I can see the Raiders losing and falling to .500.

Prediction: Raiders lose 28-21

Week 5: at Colts

I like this matchup. I think this is a game where the Raiders need to keep the run game in check and put the ball into Anthony Richardson’s hands. Anything is possible when that happens and it’ll be a crucial year for him.

I think the Raiders offense kicks it into gear and they absolutely smother Richardson and secure a much needed victory.

Prediction: Raiders win 28-14

Week 6: vs Titans

This one will be simple and brief. Capitalizing against a team that is simply much weaker than you is key.

Cam Ward will be an absolute treat to watch but this is a game that the Raiders win and continue the streak in my opinion.

Prediction: Raiders win 34-14

Week 7: at Chiefs

What a way to finish it off before the bye week. Entering Kansas City is never easy. Last two seasons entering Kansas City, the Raiders have had some very good games. Last year they only lost 19-17, so it was a nail biter. 2023, the Raiders snuck out a victory on Christmas Day thanks to their defense.

These are always a coin flip, but sweeping the season series against the Chiefs NEVER happens. If I had to pick, the Raiders will lose the game on the road this year against this team.

Prediction: Raiders lose 27-20

Bye Week: Record: 4-3

Week 9: vs Jaguars

At least the Raiders come out of the bye week at home. But they will be playing against a very young but fun Jaguars team. Trevor Lawrence has a new shiny toy with Travis Hunter and the weapons offensively could pose a problem. The Raiders secondary could be tested.

There is always a game on the schedule that should be a win, but will be a loss. That’s this one.

Prediction: Raiders lose 30-27

Week 10: at Broncos (TNF)

Short week and that means a huge tilt in Denver. I hate Thursday games. Typically they seem sloppy and not the best brand of football. The Raiders had a nice eight game winning streak against the Broncos get snapped with two very lopsided losses.

Bo Nix is the real deal and he looks poised to make another strong season. I do like the Raiders on the road here, cause these are also always a coin flip.

Prediction: Raiders win 28-21

Week 11: vs Cowboys (MNF)

Yep. I’m going to say it now. The Raiders will beat the Cowboys on MNF. That defensive front will be able to get to Prescott and the Raiders offense will put points on the board.

They do not scare me. It’ll be a very big and much needed victory.

Prediction: Raiders win 34-24

Week 12: vs Browns

This one will be tougher than we think. The Browns have a running back now. And say what you will, but an offense not run by Deshaun Watson is a massive victory in its own right. It won’t be perfect for the Browns,  but it’ll be better.

I think the Raiders can outduel this offense and their defense will keep them in check. Oh, and a game between Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby from a defensive standpoint is going to be very fun.

Prediction: Raiders win 27-13

Week 13: at Chargers

They won the first game, so they’ll lose the road game, even though it’s basically a home game for the Raiders.

Prediction: Raiders lose 28-24

Week 14: vs Broncos

They won the first game and much like the Chargers I’m going split, so they’ll drop this game.

Prediction: Raiders lose 28-20

Week 15: at Eagles

This is where the true road to adversity begins. It starts with the defending champions. Obviously, there is no knowing how this Raiders team looks or will look, but this game could be brutal.

The Eagles are deep and talented and they drafted well once again. This is a game where the Raiders travel to the east coast and get pummeled. Then they can go drown their sorrows in cheesesteaks and gear up for next week.

Prediction: Raiders lose 34-17

Week 16: at Texans

This one will be very interesting. CJ Stroud did not have the strongest sophomore season but the Texans squad is very well coached.

This game to me will come down to a key turnover and capitalizing on the opportunities you get in the red zone. But this Texans team is a very good unit and their young talent will prevail in this matchup.

Prediction: Raiders lose 28-17

Week 17: vs Giants

If the Raiders cannot beat this Giants team, idk what to tell you. Russell Wilson likely starting games, but given the state of the team, Dart could easily be under center at this point.

They’ll be a fun bunch, but a very beatable bunch. Just win baby.

Prediction: Raiders win 31-17

Week 18: vs Chiefs

Two factors for this game. Either the Chiefs are going to be fighting for seeding in the final week OR they’ll have it locked up and will rest everyone.

I will for this exercise pretend they are fighting for seeding and they’ll come out flying and pull out a victory.

Prediction: Raiders lose 38-24

Overall Record: 8-9

Is it great? No, but it’s a step in the right direction. There’s a world too where they could finish 9-8 or even 10-7 and that’s my maximum hope for this team.