AFC West
Las Vegas Raiders
AI Summary
The Raiders enter 2026 in a full reset after a 3-14 collapse, firing Pete Carroll and hiring Klint Kubiak -- fresh off coordinating the Super Bowl LX champion Seahawks offense -- as head coach. Las Vegas traded Geno Smith to the Jets and instead built around veteran Kirk Cousins as the 2026 starter while grooming 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza as the long-term answer at quarterback. Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby and second-year back Ashton Jeanty remain the roster's centerpieces, but oddsmakers still see a rebuilding year, setting Las Vegas' preseason win total at just 5.5 -- the lowest mark in the AFC West.
Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026
Real Efficiency KPIs
Offensive EPA/play
-0.215
#32 of 32
Defensive EPA/play allowed
+0.024
#20 of 32
2025 regular season, 942 offensive / 1054 defensive plays. Source: nflverse play-by-play (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season. This is a prior-season baseline — this team's 2026 numbers will replace it once real Week 1 plays exist.
Key Players (2025 production)
Leading Passer
Geno Smith · QB
302/448, 19 TD, 17 INT
-72.9 passing EPA
Leading Rusher
Ashton Jeanty · RB
266 car, 975 yds, 5 TD
-65.2 rushing EPA
Leading Receiver
Tre Tucker · WR
57/92, 696 yds, 19% target share
+21.8 receiving EPA
Leading Pass Rusher
Maxx Crosby · DE
10 sacks, 20 QB hits
Leading Tackler
Devin White · LB
90 solo, 79 assist
Leading Interceptor
Kyu Blu Kelly · CB
3 INT
Source: nflverse player stats (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season; team attribution updated for documented 2026 offseason trades. Prior-season baseline, not 2026 in-season stats.
Key Storylines
- New HC Klint Kubiak, hired Feb. 9 after coordinating Seattle's Super Bowl LX-winning offense, replaces Pete Carroll following a 3-14 2025 season
- Raiders traded Geno Smith to the Jets and signed Kirk Cousins to lead the offense, with 2025 Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza in the QB room behind him
- Kirk Cousins and TE Brock Bowers have connected for multiple red-zone touchdowns in camp; Bowers is drawing praise as the league's top tight end when healthy
- RG Jackson Powers-Johnson left an Aug. 17 practice with an injury and is expected to miss the Aug. 20 preseason game vs. Houston as he battles Caleb Rogers for the starting job
- Preseason win total set at 5.5, the lowest in the AFC West, reflecting modest outside expectations for the rebuild
Injury Report
Jackson Powers-Johnson · G
Day-to-day
Left an Aug. 17 training camp practice with an undisclosed injury; expected to miss the Aug. 20 preseason game against Houston.
Michael Mayer · TE
Day-to-day
Missed an Aug. 17 practice after injuring his nose.