Raiders 2024 schedule: Game-by-game win-loss predictions

The schedule is out for the Raiders. Now, let’s go through and make some early win-loss predictions, shall we.

Week 1 – at Los Angeles Chargers

Jan 1, 2018; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half of the 2018 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In his first game back in the NFL, Jim Harbaugh is going to have some tricks up his sleeve and some nice weapons at his disposal to deploy them.

Raiders result: LOSS (0-1)

Week 2 – at Baltimore Ravens

Sep 24, 2017; London, United Kingdom; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reacts during a NFL International Series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars defeated the Ravens 44-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

From one Harbaugh brother to the other. This one in Baltimore for a 10am bodily clock start time for the Raiders. And with the Ravens on a long week, having opened the season on Thursday Night Football.

Raiders result: LOSS (0-2)

Week 3 – vs Carolina Panthers

Sep 13, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) with the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn (21) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Finally the Raiders get to their home opener. And they’re rearing to go in front of the Vegas fans for the first time this season against a bad Panthers team.

Raiders result: WIN (1-2)

Week 4 – vs Cleveland Browns

Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) changes the play at the line of scrimmage as he awaits the snap from center Ethan Pocic (55) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It didn’t matter who was at quarterback for the Browns last season. They still won games. They went 11-6, splitting most the season between Deshaun Watson (5-1) and Joe Flacco (4-1). They have Watson back from a shoulder injury and he is backed up by Jameis Winston.

Raiders result: LOSS (1-3)

Week 5 - at Denver Broncos

Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) is pushed out of bounds by Denver Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders (41) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

At 12 overall in April’s draft, with the Raiders picking next, the Broncos got desperate and reached for Oregon QB Bo Nix. Even with the considerable college football experience Nix has, it’s unlikely he’ll be playing at a high level five weeks into his pro career.

Raiders result: WIN (2-3)

Week 6 - vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 2, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers will be choosing between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback. The former is past it and the latter never had it.

Raiders result: WIN (3-3)

Week 7 - at Los Angeles Rams

Aug 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) runs a play during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

This figures to be a good game. The Rams have a leg up as they are coming off of their bye. And there’s always their lethal offense that last season ranked 7th in the league in yards and 8th in points.

Raiders result: LOSS (3-4)

Week 8 - vs Kansas City Chiefs

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is pressured by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Usually the Chiefs have to muster up some half-hearted attempt to get motivated. Not this time. They are coming to Vegas with revenge on their mind. Their last loss came at the hands of the Raiders on Christmas Day.

Raiders result: LOSS (3-5)

Week 9 - at Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 15: Defensive ends Maxx Crosby #98 and Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Las Vegas Raiders sack quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Another trip to the East Coast against a Bengals team a season removed from being a last second field goal away from the Super Bowl.

Raiders result: LOSS (3-6)

Week 11 - Miami Dolphins

Nov 19, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs with the football as Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) and safety Tre’von Moehrig (25) attempt to him during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Last season the Raiders lost in Miami, but held the Dolphins without a touchdown in the second half. Now the Raiders have one of the Dolphins’ best defenders in Christian Wilkins. And the Raiders are coming off of their bye.

Raiders result: WIN (4-6)

Week 12 - vs Denver Broncos

Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

At some point the Broncos will actually beat the Las Vegas Raiders. But not in Vegas. So, that streak continues this season.

Raiders result: WIN (5-6)

Week 13 - at Kansas City Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 25: Andre James #68 of the Las Vegas Raiders prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Oh, that win on Christmas Day last year came AT Arrowhead. So, yeah, the Chiefs will still have plenty of motivation left in the tank.

Raiders result: LOSS (5-7)

Week 14 - at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dec 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield throws the ball in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Raiders faced Baker Mayfield, he was lighting them up two days after joining the Rams squad. That was two seasons ago. Since then, he has had a complete career resurgence in Tampa.

Raiders result: LOSS (5-8)

Week 15 - vs Atlanta Falcons (MNF)

FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 14: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks to the media during OTA offseason workouts at the Atlanta Falcons training facility on May 14, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Raiders welcome Captain Kirk and the Falcons to town on Monday Night Football. Cousins has never lost to the Raiders (3-0) in his career. But he’s never faced the Las Vegas Raiders. He and the Falcons will be coming West for a primetime and you can bet Antonio Pierce and the Raiders will be hyped to show off in front of their only national television audience of the season.

Raiders result: WIN (6-8)

Week 16 - vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Aug 4, 2022; Canton, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

This has the feeling of a letdown game. On a short week after the big win over the Falcons on Monday Night Football, the Raiders drop one to a mid team.

Raiders result: LOSS (6-9)

Week 17 -- at New Orleans Saints

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate a touchdown pass to New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

I just don’t see any way the Raiders let Derek Carr beat them. They get up for his one in the Big Easy.

Raiders result: WIN (7-9)

Week 18 - vs Los Angeles Chargers

Sep 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) drops back to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Empire Strikes Back.

Raiders result: WIN (8-9)