Which games on the Las Vegas Raiders schedule could prove difficult in 2024?
As we draw closer to the start of the 2024 regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders schedule is the core focus for every fan. And looking at the schedule, fan opinions are optimistic about the team’s chances under Coach Pierce. Understandably so, as the “Raider Way” feels like it is back. Yet, even the most optimistic members of Raider Nation understand that an undefeated season is far-fetched. And while they should surprise this season, these three games could be the toughest on the schedule for the Raiders this year.
Week 2: Raiders at Ravens
Week 2 of the NFL schedule could struggle to get much tougher for the Raiders. Las Vegas takes on the reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens coming off a long rest heading into their home opener. Not only do they have one of the best players in the league as their signal caller, but Baltimore also added Derrick Henry in the offseason to complete one of the most dynamic backfields in recent memory.
Baltimore also boosts one the best defenses in the league. The Ravens gave up only 16.2 points per game last year, and are full of superstars at every level.
On the defensive line, Baltimore has a breakout player in 2023 with DT Justin Madubuike, who had a 13 sacks last year. At corner, Alabama standout Marlon Humphrey will be lurking to take advantage of risky throws. Finally, arguably the best safety in the league going into just his 3rd year, Kyle Hamilton is already on a Hall of Fame trajectory. While Patrick Queen is no longer in Baltimore, they Roquan Smith is an elite playmaker in his own right.
Because of the team’s playmakers on offense and defense, the Raiders will have their hands full in Baltimore. This game should be one circled on the schedule for the Raiders as a litmus test going forward.
Week 9: Raiders at Bengals
Before going into their Week 10 bye, the Raiders face a daunting task – Joe Burrow and his Cincinnati Bengals. There are not many people who could debate that if Burrow stayed healthy, Cincinnati would have been a playoff team in 2023. And, having bolstered their offensive line with former Raiders OT Trent Brown, as well as drafting Georgia Bulldog Amarius Mims, Burrow can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he has more protection than he has ever had in the 452.
Giving Burrow time is a risk the Raiders cannot afford to take. With Ja’Marr Chase‘s blazing speed and Tee Higgins‘ large frame and contested catch ability, one of them will eventually make a play.
On defense, Cincinnati has one of the most underrated pass rushers in the NFL in Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson secured 17.5 sacks last year without somehow drawing major media attention. He will be a focal point for the Raiders offense to keep in check.
The Bengals also re-signed safety Vonn Bell this offseason. Bell was integral in their run to the Super Bowl a few years ago and still is a great veteran presence.
The Bengals have good depth in every position on the defensive side of the ball, despite losing two key players in DJ Reader and Chidobe Awuzie in free agency. Losing a key run-stuffer in DJ Reader may open up some holes for Zamir White. That should be a matchup for the Raiders to exploit in Week 9.
Week 13: Raider at Chiefs
This is the biggest game on the Raiders schedule every season. Las Vegas is still the last team to beat the Kansas City Chiefs since their Super Bowl run. The Raiders win at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day being the last blot on the Super Bowl champions record. Yet there’s a reason this is the toughest game of the season, and it’s name is Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes is quite easily the best quarterback currently in the NFL. And at the moment, he’s the only player in the league with the potential to be in the same tier as Tom Brady when he’s finished his career. Mahomes’ playmaking ability is arguably the best the NFL has ever seen. With that said, being able to get after him will be essential to winning this game. After all, it’s how the Raiders upset Kansas City last season.
On defense, the Chiefs will still be as tough as ever.
Despite losing L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City still has one of the best young corners in the league in Trent McDuffie. McDuffie broke-out last season with five forced fumbles and three sacks to go along with his sticky man coverage ability.
On the defensive line, they have arguably the best DT in the NFL in Chris Jones. Jones is a player that will have to be double-teamed every play. It goes without saying that the Raiders interior offensive line is already preparing to mitigate his impact in their matchups this season.
Given their offensive and defensive strength, it comes to little surprise that the reigning Super Bowl champs are one of the toughest games on the Raiders’ 2024 schedule this year.
