Will the Las Vegas Raiders be contenders to win the AFC West in 2026? The Raiders are looked at as a long shot to win the division next season, as they are laying the foundation for an ascent in the standings a year or two down the line at the least, but they have the potential to exceed expectations at the end of the season.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton has the Raiders finishing with a 5-12 record in the AFC West, good for last place in the division come season’s end.
“New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak brings a breath of fresh air to the desert with his offensive expertise. Three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum will strengthen the front line. All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers is healthy after missing five games last season. Maxx Crosby is back with Silver and Black after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a trade for him. While that all sounds good, Kirk Cousins will likely start the season under center… Cousins starts the season, and rookie Fernando Mendoza finishes it, taking some lumps in the process.”
The Denver Broncos (11-6) were forecasted to win the division. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) finish No. 2 and No. 3 respectively.
The Raiders have the potential to steal a couple of big games on their schedule next season, much like they did last year with wins against the New England Patriots in their season opener and the Chiefs in their season finale. Four of their losses came by three points or less last season. Their improved roster and coaching may turn that tide around in 2026.
In the event that Las Vegas is able to come away with victories against teams of like strength, or less, being the Miami Dolphins (Week 1), New Orleans Saints (Week 3), New York Jets (Week 8), Cleveland Browns (Week 12) and Arizona Cardinals (Week 17), as well as an upset win over one of their division rivals, finishing the year with more than five wins will be feasible.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Where will Raiders finish in AFC West division race next season?