Derek Carr wasn’t in a Raiders uniform last season as he went to the New Orleans Saints during the offseason. Coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were out the door following week eight’s loss to the Detroit Lions. Champ Kelly was named interim GM while Antonio Pierce was promoted to interim head coach – Pierce was hired full-time after a strong finish to 2023.

Highlights from 2023 include a 63-21 thrashing over the rival Chargers and a stunning Christmas Day win over the Chiefs. The Raiders finished the rollercoaster year 8-9.

The Raiders hired Chargers GM Tom Telesco to begin the offseason. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby was awarded an extension that will cement him as the second highest-paid defensive end in the league. Las Vegas signed Christian Wilkins to a four-year contract worth $110 million. In addition, the Raiders brought in Michael GallupGardner Minshew II, Alexander Mattison and Cody Whitehair in part of a revamp on offense.

Brock Bowers was chosen 13th overall as a backup to Michael Mayer. Bowers brings stellar speed and playmaking abilities to the team – these skills make Bowers a “slot” tight end, an ingredient to a lethal tight end duo with Mayer. Oregon’s Jackson PowersJohnson was picked in round two since he possesses elite blocking abilities – the Raiders intend on moving Powers-Johnson to guard as Whitehair is going to be starting at center.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

2024 isn’t going to be an easy year as the Raiders own the NFL’s ninth-toughest schedule.

Time will tell if the Raiders will be successful this year – however, momentum from 2023 should carry over into the first weeks as coach Pierce gains the trust of the locker room. Look out for Crosby to lead the defense and Minshew to call the shots on offense.

New Orleans Saints Schedule & Ticket Deals

Sept. 15 at Baltimore Ravens, 10 a.m., CBS

Sept. 22 Carolina Panthers, 1:05 p.m., CBS

Sept. 29 Cleveland Browns, 1:25 p.m., CBS

Oct. 6 at Denver Broncos, 1:05 p.m., FOX

Oct. 13 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:05 p.m., CBS

Oct. 20 at Los Angeles Rams, 1:05 p.m., CBS

Oct. 27 Kansas City Chiefs, 1:25 p.m., CBS

Nov. 3 at Cincinnati Bengals, 10 a.m., FOX

BYE WEEK

Nov. 17 at Miami Dolphins, 10 a.m., CBS

Nov. 24 Denver Broncos, 1:05 p.m., CBS

Nov. 29 at Kansas City Chiefs, Noon, Amazon Prime

Dec. 8 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10 a.m., CBS

Dec. 16 Atlanta Falcons, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

Dec. 22 Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:25 p.m., CBS

Dec. 29 at New Orleans Saints, 10 a.m., FOX

Week 18 Los Angeles Chargers, TBA

The publisher receives a commission through recommended links in this content.

Read more about:

Leave a comment

Listen to the uInterview Podcast!
Get the most-revealing celebrity conversations with the uInterview podcast!