Predict the 2026 record - your realistic expectations

[Viper]

With Mendoza needing time to adjust, an unproven O line and what I consider average receivers, I’m not really expecting to light it up on offense.

Defensively, we should be at least middle of the pack. That should go a long ways in helping stack wins.

Having said that, we are improved across the board yet still more work to do. I would predict we have 6 wins this year, double what we had last year. If Pete can manage 3 last year, I have faith with a better coaching staff we can do better. If we can beat the teams we’re supposed to plus staying close in the 4th quarter against better talent, we have a punchers chance in some of those.

Personally, at least another year or two to make some real noise if we nail FA and the draft.

[SuperRaider]

I have a feeling that the mystique of Raiders past is what keeps us loyal to the Raiders present hoping for a return to the glory days.

That is true; but we are getting older as fans of the raiders; and some have died off…..because we actually stunk for the last 20 years has not really brought us a whole new younger fan base to follow the raiders…..

Hopefully the Mendoza ticket will change the raiders and they will start to win games more often and younger people that are just starting to follow NFL; will pick the raiders to be their team.

[Viper]

That is true; but we are getting older as fans of the raiders; and some have died off…..because we actually stunk for the last 20 years has not really brought us a whole new younger fan base to follow the raiders…..

Hopefully the Mendoza ticket will change the raiders and they will start to win games more often and younger people that are just starting to follow NFL; will pick the raiders to be their team.

Well said

[raidersince63]

Hopefully the Mendoza ticket will change the raiders and they will start to win games more often and younger people that are just starting to follow NFL; will pick the raiders to be their team.

...whippersnappers ! (when was the last time you heard that?)

[Opoponax50]

That is true; but we are getting older as fans of the raiders; and some have died off…..because we actually stunk for the last 20 years has not really brought us a whole new younger fan base to follow the raiders…..

Hopefully the Mendoza ticket will change the raiders and they will start to win games more often and younger people that are just starting to follow NFL; will pick the raiders to be their team.

Yep. Our younger fans are usually legacy fans, meaning that they grew up with old farts like us who rooted for the Raiders, so that's the team they root for. We have tales of yore and film to prove it.

[Reno Hightower]

People become fans for different reasons. I happened to be born and raised there and it was an aura of invincibility. I’d say the Raiders franchise rivaled Santa and his elves as a kid.

I wondered how I would feel when I moved to the PNW, how I would feel when the Raiders moved to LA and then Vegas. For me, it’s in my blood. Maybe if they weren’t so successful as a kid growing up there it might be different.

Ironically enough there are still quite a few Raiders fans in the PNW. Before the NFL expanded into Seattle the Raiders were literally the regional team.

[vtraider]

People become fans for different reasons. I happened to be born and raised there and it was an aura of invincibility. I’d say the Raiders franchise rivaled Santa and his elves as a kid.

I wondered how I would feel when I moved to the PNW, how I would feel when the Raiders moved to LA and then Vegas. For me, it’s in my blood. Maybe if they weren’t so successful as a kid growing up there it might be different.

I became a fan out of childhood rebellion. About the time I was getting into football my dad was a redskins fan and the Superbowl that year was raiders skins. I pulled for the raiders because I didn't want to pull for my dad's team. That game hooked me. Been a fan ever since

[Cruisin with Tooz]

8-9 is def in the realm of possibility. I think KC has jumped the shark. It seems that a lot of their wins come down to a play where Mahomes extends a drive at a critical moment with his legs. I think he is going to lose a step and will be reticent to lay it all on the line like he has previously. Im not really impressed with Denver either. I think 3-3 in the division is possible. We also have games against Cle, Ten, Mia, NYJ, NO and Ari where we should be favored.

[Attyla]

8-9 is def in the realm of possibility. I think KC has jumped the shark. It seems that a lot of their wins come down to a play where Mahomes extends a drive at a critical moment with his legs. I think he is going to lose a step and will be reticent to lay it all on the line like he has previously. Im not really impressed with Denver either. I think 3-3 in the division is possible. We also have games against Cle, Ten, Mia, NYJ, NO and Ari where we should be favored.

They had a helluva draft and made some good moves as well. It will come down to how well Mahomes recovers but they have some really nice pieces

[FLORIDARAYDAH]

They had a helluva draft and made some good moves as well. It will come down to how well Mahomes recovers but they have some really nice pieces

Yeah I feel the talking of the end of the Chiefs is a little premature. I think they are head and shoulders above the rest of the division. Of course if Mahomes goes down it's another story

[SuperRaider]

8-9 is def in the realm of possibility. I think KC has jumped the shark. It seems that a lot of their wins come down to a play where Mahomes extends a drive at a critical moment with his legs. I think he is going to lose a step and will be reticent to lay it all on the line like he has previously. Im not really impressed with Denver either. I think 3-3 in the division is possible. We also have games against Cle, Ten, Mia, NYJ, NO and Ari where we should be favored.

Gotta actually respect Andy Reid….he great coach and while he is there; they will still win games….

One thing that could happen to Mahomes is he might take step back where he will not run as much; one of Mahomes chosen points is that he can scramble, where now if get another hit, it could hurt his career….bit like Carr when got that injury which kinda change his career….

[RI RAIDER]

If we are being honest, its a big ????

[Attyla]

Gotta actually respect Andy Reid….he great coach and while he is there; they will still win games….

One thing that could happen to Mahomes is he might take step back where he will not run as much; one of Mahomes chosen points is that he can scramble, where now if get another hit, it could hurt his career….bit like Carr when got that injury which kinda change his career….

He actually runs less than people give him credit for. While he can run and does run, it works out to a bit over 20 yards per game. He ran more last year than his previous seasons but where he is deadly is in that he is elusive in the pocket. His pocket awareness is deadly and his ability to stretch plays with his legs is simply top in the league. But as a runner, he is rather pedestrian in all truth.

[Viper]

He actually runs less than people give him credit for. While he can run and does run, it works out to a bit over 20 yards per game. He ran more last year than his previous seasons but where he is deadly is in that he is elusive in the pocket. His pocket awareness is deadly and his ability to stretch plays with his legs is simply top in the league. But as a runner, he is rather pedestrian in all truth.

Agree
He extends plays and at the most opportune times. I would expect him to be a bit more hesitant, at least when he comes back onto the field to resume playing. Maybe he’ll still be a weapon in that regard but injuries and Father Time slows us all down. He's such a proven competitor that we should expect he will give it his all. It would probably also be safe to assume they picked up Walker to relieve him of some of that pressure and creating an established run game.

Hate to admit it but, I hope he loses some of his edge as well as his side kick Travis.

[Oaktownonly]

Bech will be a great surprise this year. He just needs a chance which I think he gets in Kubiaks system. With him and Bowers on the field the QB just needs to get the ball close and they'll pull it in whether that's Cousins or Mendoza.

[BoKnows81]

I may be in the minority but I think the Chiefs are significantly on the downswing. I don't think they can rely on Mahomes any longer which is why they brought in Walker. I do like that move but I think you're gonna see more of a game managing QB in Mahomes. Kelce is absolutely cooked and they currently don't have a reliable receiving threat. And as good Reid is, he wore out his welcome in Philly while slipping in the coaching side of things too. You wonder if that's happening here.