The Las Vegas Raiders loaded up on 2020 draft picks and have been aggressive in free agency. They’ve amassed a bunch of blue-chip talent; the challenge for 2020 will be how to get these guys to mesh together with a virtual off-season. Add to that the logistical challenges of moving from the Bay Area to Las Vegas during a pandemic. The Raiders could push Kansas City in the AFC West, but they could also bottom out, making this one of the true enigmas in the NFL for this year. Take a look at our thoughts on the Raiders’ season as you consider your NFL betting choices for the fall.
NFL Betting: Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Schedule Analysis
Week 1: at Carolina
The Raiders get underway with a road game on the East Coast. The Panthers have a new quarterback to work in, in Teddy Bridgewater, who led the Vikings to an NFC North title and went 5-0 in Drew Brees’ absence last year for the Saints. There’s a lot of rebuilding to do for the Panthers — who also have a new head coach coming in, so I see the Raiders taking advantage. Prediction: Win
Week 2: vs New Orleans
Drew Brees is likely playing his last season, and he has all kinds of motivation to get to another title. I see him taking apart a Las Vegas secondary that will still be getting to know each other. Prediction: Loss
Week 3: at New England
Can Jon Gruden outcoach Bill Belichick? Can Jarrett Stidham be ready to lead a team by Week 3? I see the Raiders taking advantage of some turnovers to get this win. Prediction: Win
Week 4: vs Buffalo
The Bills bring in a grinding, punishing defense, and their offense added the high-flying Stefon Diggs. The Raiders will work hard but will take a loss here. Prediction: Loss
Week 5: at Kansas City
The Raiders start AFC West play with a visit to the defending Super Bowl champions. Patrick Mahomes will find plenty of room to operate against the Raiders. Expect this game to go over the point total, but expect the Chiefs to prevail. Prediction: Loss
Week 6: Bye
Week 7: vs Tampa Bay
With two weeks to prepare for the Buccaneers, can Jon Gruden dial up the win? Given that this game will be played in Las Vegas, I see the Raiders getting enough pressure on Tom Brady to swipe a win. Prediction: Win
Week 8: at Cleveland
The Browns bolstered their offensive line and added more skills position talent for Baker Mayfield. They also filled some of the holes in their defense. Will Baker Mayfield respond in kind? I see the Browns doing just enough to win. Prediction: Loss
Week 9: at L.A. Chargers
Whether the Chargers are still starting Tyrod Taylor at quarterback or have shifted to Justin Herbert, they won’t be able to move the ball well against the Las Vegas defense. Derek
Carr should be able to move the ball well enough to rack up points. Prediction: Win
Week 10: vs Denver
Second-year quarterback Drew Lock has gotten lots of accolades for his play last year, but will his sophomore slump be over by Week 10? I say no. Prediction: Win
Week 11: vs Kansas City
This game should be closer than the teams’ first meeting, but the Raiders still don’t have what it takes to stop that late drive the Chiefs will mount for the win. Prediction: Loss
Week 12: at Atlanta
The Raiders head back to the East Coast to take on another enigmatic team in the Falcons. Which Atlanta team will show up? The Raiders have a better than even chance of dealing the Falcons some misery. Prediction: Win
Week 13: at N.Y. Jets
I see this being a letdown for the Raiders. Sam Darnold will find enough holes in the Raider defense to mount the upset. Prediction: Loss
Week 14: vs Indianapolis
Will the Colts still be happy with Philip Rivers by this point? He has become an interception machine, and I expect the Raiders to take advantage. Prediction: Win
Week 15: vs L.A. Chargers
The Raiders complete the sweep as Raider Nation unnerves Justin Herbert. This should be a defensive struggle, so expect a close win for Las Vegas. Prediction: Win
Week 16: vs Miami
Tua vs Derek Carr makes for an intriguing matchup, especially if Tua has an almost complete season under his belt by this point. I like the Dolphins to pick up a big road win here. Prediction: Loss
Week 17: at Denver
Cold and high altitude will take their toll on the Raiders. Prediction: Loss
Season Record Prediction: 8-8
