The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to bounce back this fall after a disappointing 2023-24 season that saw them finish with an 8-9 record and miss the playoffs. Despite some flashes of potential, inconsistent quarterback play and defensive struggles held the team back from contending in the competitive AFC West.
As the 2024 season approaches, oddsmakers are projecting another challenging year for the Raiders. The current odds view at Betting.us sportsbook is the Raiders’ season win total at 6.5 games, with the over slightly favored at -162 compared to +132 for the under. This suggests bookmakers expect Las Vegas to win around seven games, a slight regression from last season’s 8-win total.
The Raiders face long odds to make noise in the postseason, with their chances to make the playoffs set at +370. Their odds to win the AFC West sit at +900, reflecting the tough competition they face in a division that includes the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. Las Vegas is an even bigger longshot to make a deep playoff run, with +6000 odds to win the AFC Championship and +10000 odds to win the Super Bowl.
Looking at their 2024 schedule, oddsmakers have the Raiders as underdogs in most matchups. According to early lines, they are only favored in 2 out of 17 games. Some of their toughest tests are projected to be road games against the Baltimore Ravens (-7) and Los Angeles Chargers (-3).
While these odds paint a challenging picture, the Raiders will look to defy expectations under second-year head coach Antonio Pierce. With young quarterback Aidan O’Connell potentially taking the reins of the offense and star players like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby leading the way, Las Vegas will aim to surprise in what looks to be another competitive AFC West race.
Raiders Schedule
The Raiders face several schedule challenges that could impact their win total:
- Raiders open with two straight road games at the Chargers and Ravens
- Brutal midseason stretch against the Rams, Chiefs, and Bengals in Weeks 7-9
- Late bye doesn’t come until Week 10
- Overall, the 9th most demanding schedule based on 2023 opponent win totals
However, some positives could boost their win total:
- The defense improved to a top-10 unit last season
- Antonio Pierce gets his entire season as head coach
- Additions at quarterback and on defense in free agency
- A relatively favorable late-season schedule
Looking at individual game odds, the Raiders are underdogs in 9 of their 17 games, according to early lines. Some key matchups include:
- Week 1 at Chargers: Raiders +3
- Week 2 at Ravens: Raiders +7
- Week 8 vs Chiefs: Chiefs favored (no line yet)
The Raiders’ most brutal stretch comes in Weeks 7-9 with road games against the Rams and Bengals sandwiching a home date with the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. How they emerge from that gauntlet could define their season.
Conversely, Las Vegas has a favorable run to close the year. They host the Falcons and Jaguars in Weeks 15-16 before visiting New Orleans in Week 17. If they’re in playoff contention, that stretch allows them to finish strong.
The quarterback situation remains a key variable. The Raiders signed Gardner Minshew in free agency to compete with second-year player Aidan O’Connell. Their performance will be crucial to exceeding the 6.5 win total.
Defensively, the Raiders made strides in 2023 under Pierce’s leadership. They added defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in free agency to bolster the unit further. Continued improvement on that side of the ball could push them over their projected win total.
Ultimately, the Raiders’ 2024 outlook is difficult to project. The tough schedule and QB uncertainty point to potential struggles, but there’s room for optimism with Pierce at the helm for an entire season and defensive improvements. Their ability to navigate the problematic midseason stretch and capitalize on the softer late-season schedule will likely determine whether they can exceed 6.5 wins and push for a playoff spot.
