Raiders Hit With Harsh Reality Regarding Status in AFC West
The Las Vegas Raiders won just four games during the 2024 NFL season under head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco. Owner Mark Davis opted to part ways with these two and replace them during the offseason.
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Bleacher Report's Moe Moton commended Davis and his decision-makers for this move and pointed out that the team made several key upgrades ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
"The Silver and Black significantly upgraded their coaching staff, hiring head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly," Moton wrote. "They traded for two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith. The team also drafted top running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick."
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) and running back Ashton Jeanty (2).Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Raiders still play in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, however. Moton predicted the last-place team in each of the league's eight divisions, and he chose Las Vegas for the AFC West.
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"With those additions, Las Vegas can hang with some of the top teams across the league," Moton wrote. "That said, the Raiders must make up more ground between their roster and legitimate playoff-contending clubs. The Raiders could win seven or eight games, yet still finish last in the AFC West."
This may be a disappointing outcome for Raider Nation, which has only experienced two playoff appearances and zero postseason victories in the last two decades. However, there are key reasons for this prediction, as Moton pointed out.
"Las Vegas has two rookie receivers in Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr., who may have to take on prominent roles as complementary playmakers to All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and wideout Jakobi Meyers. The coaching staff must also sort out the starters at both guard positions," Moton wrote.
While the team has issues offensively, the Raiders also enter the 2025 campaign with question marks on their defense.
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"The Raiders have a mostly unproven secondary," Moton pointed out. "They don't have a sure-fire starter at cornerback. Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao has to make more impact plays this year than he did as a first-year starter in 2024."
Fortunately, the Silver and Black will have a chance to defy these notions in Week 1, when they travel to take on the New England Patriots. The Raiders have a more favorable schedule than in years past, so 2025 could be a season they make noise.
Related: Patrick Mahomes Sends Strong Maxx Crosby Message Ahead of 2025 Season
Related: Raiders Insider Provides Key Details About Christian Wilkins' Injury Status
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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