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
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.