Are you ready for some football? Are you ready to get your Hank Williams on and sing about NFL players (i.e. the Las Vegas Raiders) slinging the pigskin? Fear not, dear reader. You’re getting your taste of football this week (albeit it’s preseason stuff with the Lions and the Chargers).
With that comes anticipation from the Black Hole. How will Ashton Jeanty do as the newest running back? Will fans see more progression from Brock Bowers? How will Geno Smith fare in his first season in Sin City?
All these questions shall be answered in the upcoming 2025 season. But one thing’s for certain. Football’s around the corner and thank goodness! Baseball can only be so fun before Rob Manfred ruins it.
Anyways, five games should be on the Raiders’ radar. These games carry significant meaning, whether it’s the first game or against the Super Bowl champs. Let’s circle some dates on the ol’ calendar, shall we?
1.) Las Vegas Raiders vs. New England Patriots
Believe it or not, this is Jakobi Meyers’s former team. He’ll get to face off against his former squad, where he will look for some revenge. He has 2,758 receiving yards and eight touchdowns with his former club, doing well in a post-Tom Brady world. This is the opening game of the 2025 season as well, so what better way to do this than when people expect you to pop off?
Plus, fans get to see Mike Vrabel in his first season with the Patriots. Can he get Drake Maye off the ground? Or will the Raiders stop him from flying? Tune in on September 7.
2.) Kansas City Chiefs
Now, there are two weeks that fans should watch for here. Week 7 and Week 18 are the big games against your hated rivals. However, Week 7 has a defined date on October 19. Therefore, let’s go there.
This is a road game that’ll provide the biggest challenge for the Raiders. There are obviously the media darlings in Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. But the defense, particularly with stars like Chris Jones, will provide a big test. Steve Spagnuolo doesn’t mess around with his defenses, so Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers must explode here.
3.) Dallas Cowboys
Two legendary franchises.
Two passionate fan bases.
Two teams looking to break out for the 2025 season.
That’s what you’re getting on a Monday night on November 17 as the Dallas Cowboys come to town. Prepare to see plenty of shots of Jerry Jones during this game.
Also, the Raiders are 7-6 all-time against the Cowboys.
4.) Denver Broncos
Similar to the Chiefs, the Broncos play two games against the Raiders because, well, they’re divisional rivals. But the one game to focus on is December 7.
It’s a home game and both teams look to be in the thick of a playoff race. Denver revitalized their defense with Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga. Therefore, this must also be a big game for Jeanty.
5.) Philadelphia Eagles
A week after that Broncos game lies a match against the Super Bowl champions. Obviously, you know about pushin’ tushes and what Saquon Barkley can do. That’s where the Raiders must stop the run at all costs.
Of course, they’ll be in the latter half of a tough four-game stretch. Playing against the Chargers, the Broncos, the Eagles, and the Texans will test Pete Carroll’s squad. Three of those are on the road, including this one.
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