Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Season Preview & Record Prediction
2023 Record: 8-9
As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the 2024 NFL season, they do so with a renewed sense of optimism and stability under the leadership of head coach Antonio Pierce. The 2023 season was a rollercoaster for the Raiders, who finished second in the AFC West with an 8-9 record. The year began amid inconsistency and uncertainty, with head coach Josh McDaniels struggling to find a winning formula. However, a pivotal change came midway through the season when McDaniels was relieved of his duties, and assistant Antonio Pierce was promoted to interim head coach.
Pierce brought a revitalized energy and a return to the aggressive, hard-nosed football that has long been the Raiders’ hallmark. His leadership yielded a 5-4 record to close out the season, earning the trust and confidence of the front office. As a result, the interim tag was removed, and Pierce was appointed as the full-time head coach, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2024 campaign for the Silver and Black.
Previewing the Raiders Offense for 2024
Significant improvements on offense are crucial for the Las Vegas Raiders to emerge as a major threat to the reigning division champion Kansas City Chiefs and potentially clinch a playoff berth. The Raiders have taken a bold step toward this goal by hiring a new offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy. Getsy, who spent the previous two seasons with the Chicago Bears, was fired at the end of last season. Before his stint in Chicago, Getsy served as the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers and held various offensive roles with the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Western Michigan Broncos. The Raiders’ offense ranked 23rd in points per game, 30th in rushing, 23rd in passing, and 27th in total offense in 2023. These dismal rankings underscore the need for an offensive overhaul.
Quarterback Position
The cornerstone of these improvements must start with the quarterback position. After yielding below-average results, Jimmy Garoppolo was benched as the Raiders’ starting quarterback and replaced by former Purdue Boilermaker Aidan O’Connell. As the new starter, O’Connell managed to guide the Raiders to a 5-4 record to close out the season. However, his on-field performance left much to be desired, and his numbers did not suggest he is the clear-cut long-term option at quarterback. O’Connell finished second behind the eventual NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year winner, C.J. Stroud, in passing yards, with 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
The Raiders signed veteran Gardner Minshew during free agency to add more competition to the quarterback room. The upcoming training camp is expected to determine who will earn the starting signal-caller role for 2024.
Running Backs
On the ground, the Raiders have made a notable addition in Alexander Mattison, who will join running back Zamir White. White was instrumental down the stretch last season, leading the NFL in rushing over the final four games. The Raiders will rely heavily on the productivity of both backs to establish a potent ground game, a crucial aspect for balancing their offensive attack.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Whoever starts at quarterback in 2024 will have many options to distribute the football to. The receiving corps is headlined by Davante Adams, who continues to be one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. Adams’ route-running precision and big-play ability make him a constant threat. The former Packers wideout is coming off another highly productive season, recording over 1,000 receiving yards and 100 receptions.
The Raiders’ offense will feature second-year tight end Michael Mayer and rookie first-round pick Brock Bowers. This duo is expected to form a lethal pass-catching tandem, adding an intriguing dynamic to the Raiders’ offense.
Offensive Line
The Raiders’ offensive line will play a pivotal role in the team’s success. The line brings back a dependable left side with tackle Kolton Miller and guard Dylan Parham. At the center position, the Raiders are counting on consistency and strength to anchor the line. Improvements in both pass protection and run blocking will be essential for the Raiders to execute their offensive game plan effectively.
With the strategic hiring of Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator and key additions in both the backfield and receiving corps, the Raiders are poised to improve their offensive rankings significantly. The quarterback competition between O’Connell and Minshew will be one to watch as the team seeks stability and leadership at the helm. The combination of a dynamic ground game, a potent aerial attack, and a solid offensive line sets the stage for what could be a breakout year for the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense in 2024. The Silver and Black are ready to challenge the Chiefs and make a serious run at the playoffs.
Previewing the Raiders Defense for 2024
By far, the Raiders’ defense is the strength of the current roster, and it will remain that way until the offense finds its identity. The Las Vegas defense is led by one of the league’s top-edge rushers, Maxx Crosby. Crosby is coming off another dominant season, finishing sixth in the league with 14.5 sacks and earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Crosby’s relentless motor and ability to disrupt opposing offenses are the cornerstones of the Raiders’ defensive success.
However, the greatness of the Raiders’ defense does not stop with Crosby. Linebacker Robert Spillane has emerged as a reliable contributor, providing stability and playmaking ability in the middle of the field. Spillane and Divine Deablo form a dangerous three-down tandem that will be highly active and effective throughout the season. Their synergy and versatility allow the Raiders to deploy various defensive schemes to confuse and deter opposing offenses.
Heading into the 2024 campaign, the Raiders’ defense was already formidable. However, they bolstered their ranks during free agency by signing former Miami Dolphins interior lineman Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million deal. The addition of Wilkins gives the Raiders a dominant presence in the trenches. Offensive lines now face the daunting task of contending with Crosby’s edge rush and Wilkins’ relentless pressure up the middle. Wilkins’ ability to disrupt plays from the interior adds a new dimension to the Raiders’ defensive capabilities, making them a nightmare for any offensive coordinator to game plan against.
Last year’s first-round pick, pass rusher Tyree Wilson, did not see significant playing time last season due to a foot injury he suffered in his final year at Texas Tech. However, he provided a glimpse of his potential during the last month of the 2023 campaign. With a full offseason to recover, Wilson looks to become another impactful player for the Raiders’ defense. His development and integration into the defensive line rotation will be crucial for maintaining relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Raiders’ secondary remains a strong unit, with Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs, Tre’von Moehrig, and Marcus Epps returning to the fold. This group was instrumental in ranking the Raiders 12th against the pass last season, allowing only 212.4 passing yards per game. Their cohesion and coverage ability will support the pass rush and create turnovers.
In summary, the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense is poised to dominate the 2024 season. With star players like Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins leading the charge, complemented by emerging talents like Robert Spillane and Tyree Wilson, the Raiders have the makings of a top-tier defensive unit. As the offense finds its identity, the defense will be the team’s bedrock, capable of winning games and keeping the Raiders competitive in the highly challenging AFC West.
Predicted Outlook for the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 Season
The Las Vegas Raiders open their 2024 season with a crucial matchup against their division rival, the Los Angeles Chargers. Following this, they face another formidable opponent in the AFC juggernaut Baltimore Ravens. The Raiders must secure victories in these opening games, as the competitive nature of the AFC in 2024 means that an early losing streak could severely hinder their chances of regaining momentum. With so many efficient quarterbacks and strong teams vying for playoff spots, every game counts more than ever.
Other intriguing matchups on the Raiders’ schedule include games against the Rams, Dolphins, Steelers, and Browns. Each of these contests could have significant playoff implications as the season progresses. The Raiders must be prepared to compete at the highest level week in and week out to maintain their playoff aspirations.
Despite the team’s strengths, especially on defense, a significant question mark remains at the quarterback position. Despite a solid 2023 campaign with the Indianapolis Colts, Gardner Minshew has yet to prove that he can consistently lead a franchise to the postseason. Meanwhile, although Aidan O’Connell showed flashes of potential, he needed to display more to warrant complete confidence as the long-term answer at quarterback. This uncertainty at the most critical position makes it difficult to recognize the Raiders as a postseason-ready team fully.
However, with head coach Antonio Pierce at the helm, the Raiders are expected to be a tough out for any opponent they face in 2024. Pierce’s leadership and the team’s defensive prowess will keep them competitive throughout the season. I predict the Raiders will finish with a 9-8 record, placing them on the bubble for a playoff berth. While this win total might not be sufficient to secure a spot in the postseason, the Raiders will undoubtedly be a formidable team that can challenge any contender in the league.
Projected 2024 Record: 9-8 (On the Bubble Playoff Team)
