Las Vegas Raiders schedule and 2021 season predictions
We have to give Las Vegas credit for sticking with the Chiefs in their two games a season ago. That included Kansas City coming out on top 40-32 in Week 5 and winning by the score of 35-31 in Sin City in Week 11. The one common theme here? These Raiders just can’t stop Patrick Mahomes. Over the course of his career, he has accounted for 2,000 yards with 17 touchdowns against three interceptions in six starts against Vegas.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Chiefs 31, Raiders 27
Week 11 — vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The winning formula for Cincinnati in 2021 will involve scoring a lot of points and hoping a healthy Joe Burrow has the ball in his hands last against non-playoff opponents. This is very much in play when the Bengals travel to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, Cincinnati’s defense is going to be a major issue in 2021. For the Raiders, that means a narrow win in a high-scoring affair.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Raiders 35, Bengals 31
Week 12 — @ Dallas Cowboys
Dallas didn’t get a lot better this offseason, but the Las Vegas Raiders are much worse than the team we saw in 2020. Quinn’s defense will generate pressure on Derek Carr, Ezekiel Elliott can run wild against the Raiders’ defense and this one should be over by the third quarter.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Cowboys 37, Raiders 27
Week 13 — vs. Washington Football Team
There’s every reason to believe Allegiant Stadium will be rocking in Vegas this fall after fans were not permitted to attend games in the Raiders’ debut 2020 campaign. That’s going to play a huge difference, especially in games against evenly-matched opponents. I expect Derek Carr and Co. to do just enough to take advantage of that.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Raiders 23, Washington 20
Week 14 — @ Kansas City Chiefs
There’s certainly a theme in play here. These Raiders should be able to score points against Kansas City. In fact, they averaged 33.5 points per in two outings versus the Chiefs in 2020. That came after Vegas dropped 19 total point in two games against the Chiefs in 2019. Even with this improved offense, the Raiders’ defense will prevent a season split.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Chiefs 41, Raiders 27
Week 15 — @ Cleveland Browns
Jon Gruden is a great offensive coach, and Derek Carr can light up the scoreboard. The problem is, Las Vegas can’t stop anyone, and continues to whiff on defensive player acquisitions. That’ll continue to cost the Raiders against the AFC West and other quality teams like the Browns.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Browns 35, Raiders 24
Week 16 — vs. Denver Broncos
Things change on a dime between the Broncos and Raiders depending on the Aaron Rodgers situation. What we do know is that Las Vegas has won five of its past seven against Denver. Taking on the Broncos at home in what promises to be an electric Allegiant Stadium, we’re expecting that to be the case in Week 16. Whether it leads to playoff contention. Well, that’s unlikely.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Raiders 27, Broncos 24
Week 17 — @ Indianapolis Colts
Jon Gruden looks every offseason for an upgrade over Derek Carr. He stuck by the Pro Bowl quarterback this year, but tore his offensive line to shreds. The Raiders’ defense is bad and its offensive line is taking a huge step backward. Those are all the ingredients needed for a Colts’ victory
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Colts 24, Raiders 17
Week 18 — vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Raiders do indeed have a home-field advantage in Las Vegas. This should be magnified against a Chargers team that doesn’t boast a big traveling fan base despite Los Angeles’ proximity to the desert metropolis. If there’s something to play for here, I expect fans to show up big time. That will make a difference against a still greenish quarterback in Justin Herbert.
Las Vegas Raiders schedule prediction: Raiders 31, Chargers 28
