Las Vegas Raiders record prediction: Picks for every game in 2020
The Las Vegas Raiders have been improving under Jon Gruden but how big of a step forward will they take this year? A 2020 record prediction for Sin City.
With the money that the now-Las Vegas Raiders paid head coach Jon Gruden, they clearly believed that he could turn the franchise around. And though many have been dubious, especially with Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock working in the NFL Draft, the results have been telling. After four wins the previous year, the Raiders went 7-9 a year ago. Now there are high hopes for the 2020 season.
Quarterback Derek Carr, for better and worse, is back with the team as they prepare to play their first season in Las Vegas. However, it’s no longer just running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller to rely on. The team selected Henry Ruggs III in the first round of the draft and have reworked the offensive weapons overall.
The Raiders defense is much improved as well. Las Vegas used another first-rounder on Damon Arnette but also signed Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski. And as Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby get another year to improve with Johnathan Abram finally getting on the field, things are up for the silver and black.
How up are they looking, though? Let’s go through the 2020 Raiders schedule game-by-game and figure out what their record will be in their first season in Las Vegas.
Week 1: at Panthers
This one’s pretty simple. Carolina is in the midst of a big change on the coaching staff and throughout the roster on both sides of the ball. It’s safe to say they’re in a rebuild. Even if this game is in Charlotte, the Raiders will get the win to open the season.
Prediction: Win
Week 2: vs. Saints (Monday Night Football)
After a friendly matchup on the road, the Raiders get their opener in Las Vegas in a highly unfavorable matchup. The New Orleans Saints are one of the favorites to make it to the Super Bowl out of the NFC next season and for good reason. Drew Brees will handle the Raiders and spoil the Sin City debut.
Prediction: Loss
Week 3: at Patriots
It’s definitely not an easy opening stretch for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 as four of the five teams they play made the playoffs last season. While the Patriots will have big changes at quarterback, Bill Belichick has proven his merits as a coach. Even still, I have the silver and black going on the road and picking up a key win here.
Prediction: Win
Week 4: vs. Bills
This is starting to look a little odd on the Raiders schedule as they head back to Las Vegas with an 0-1 record at home and a 2-0 record on the road. Even stranger, that continues as they take on the Bills. In truth, Buffalo is like a more established version of Las Vegas at this point and will beat them at their game.
Prediction: Loss
Week 5: at Chiefs
Las Vegas will finally lose their first road game of the season as they go into Week 5. The Raiders don’t have the offense to hang with Patrick Mahomes in the Andy Reid offense. Instead, Las Vegas will put up a fight but come up well short in Arrowhead, likely falling by double-digits.
Prediction: Loss