Full Breakdown
Raiders Face Crucial Six-Game Stretch After Week 1 Win
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Raiders’ Week 1 Victory Sets the Stage
The Las Vegas Raiders opened the 2026 season with a 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, while running back Ashton Jeanty contributed 147 yards rushing and receiving. Defensively, the Raiders recorded five sacks on Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis and limited rookie running back De’Von Achane to 36 yards on 11 carries. The performance gave the team a 1-0 record and temporarily placed them atop the AFC West.
Key Players and Recent Injuries
Tight end Brock Bowers, a major offensive weapon, missed the Week 1 game after undergoing a meniscus-trim procedure performed by Dr. Daniel Cooper. Bowers is listed as day-to-day heading into the Raiders’ Week 2 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Other injuries include TE Brock Bowers (knee) and cornerback Darien Porter (foot), both designated day-to-day.
Statistical Snapshot of Week 1
- Red-zone efficiency: 75 % (3 touchdowns on 4 trips).
- Overall conversion: 50 % last season, improved to 75 % this week.
- Sacks: 5 on Miami quarterback.
- Rushing total: Jeanty and safety Mike Washington Jr. combined for 143 yards on a 4.8-yard average.
- Turnovers: Raiders forced an interception; the offense threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter.
Official Statements & Coaching Outlook
Coach Kubiak emphasized the need to sustain performance across all four quarters, noting that the team “lost its steam” late but remained pleased with the defense’s full-game effort. He highlighted the upgraded offensive line—center Tyler Linderbaum, guard Spencer Burford, and left tackle Kolton Miller returning from injury—as a factor that kept Cousins upright and un-sacked.
Looking ahead, Kubiak said the upcoming six-game stretch, which includes road trips to the Chargers, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, will reveal the true progress of the rebuild.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just overall, I thought (we) just lost our steam,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “It's really important to him to play as soon as possible, and that doesn't surprise me about Brock.” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “If he's ready to play, he's going to play,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “It's Week 1. Not to make an excuse but at the same time, I don't think we'll be looking at Week 1 come Week 16,” — Rashawn Slater
What’s Next
The Raiders travel to Los Angeles for Week 2 against the Chargers, who are also seeking a rebound after a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams have multiple players listed as day-to-day, and the outcome will influence early division standings and the momentum heading into the Raiders’ six-game stretch.