Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Preview

The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2024 season with tempered expectations after a tumultuous 2023 that saw them finish with an 8-9 record despite a revolving door at quarterback and head coach.

Now, under the leadership of Antonio Pierce, the Raiders are hoping to build on that foundation and improve in a tough AFC West. With a win total over/under set at 6.5, the Raiders are facing a pivotal season.

Let’s break down what to expect from the Raiders this year.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Raiders are in a transitional phase with significant changes on both sides of the ball. Here’s what you need to know:

Offensive Outlook

Quarterback Situation:
- Gardner Minshew: The Raiders brought in Minshew, known for his gritty play and charismatic personality, to lead the offense. Minshew had a solid stint with the Colts last year, making the Pro Bowl after coming off the bench. He’s expected to bring stability to a position that has been a revolving door for the Raiders.
- Aidan O’Connell: O’Connell, the rookie who played in 10 games last season, showed flashes but also inconsistency, finishing with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. While Minshew likely has the edge, O’Connell could push for playing time if Minshew struggles.
Running Back Transition:
- Zamir White: With Josh Jacobs gone after a down year, Zamir White steps into the starting role. White averaged 4.3 yards per carry as a backup last year and will be counted on to carry the load. However, with Jacobs’ departure, the running game remains a bit of an unknown.
Receiving Corps:
- Davante Adams: Despite a chaotic season at quarterback, Adams still managed to put up over 1,000 yards. He remains one of the league’s premier receivers and will be the focal point of the Raiders’ passing attack.
- Jakobi Meyers: Meyers was a solid complement to Adams, posting over 800 yards in 2023. He’ll continue to play a significant role in the offense.
- Trey Tucker: The rookie had a decent start to his career with 331 yards. The Raiders are hoping for a significant jump in production from Tucker this season.
- Tight Ends: Michael Mayer, last year’s rookie tight end, is expected to take on a larger role, but the addition of first-round pick Brock Bowers could create a dynamic duo at the position. Bowers, known for his run-after-catch ability, could be a game-changer for the Raiders.
Offensive Line:
- Improvement Needed: The Raiders’ offensive line was decent in pass protection last year, ranking eighth in pressure rate allowed. However, they struggled with consistency in run blocking. The addition of Jackson Powers-Johnson, a versatile second-round pick, could help solidify the interior line.

Defensive Adjustments

Pass Rush Power:
- Maxx Crosby: Crosby continues to be one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league, finishing last season with 14.5 sacks. He’ll once again be the anchor of the Raiders’ defense.
- Christian Wilkins: The Raiders made a big splash by signing Wilkins from Miami. Wilkins had nine sacks from the interior last season and will pair with Crosby to form a formidable pass-rushing duo.
- Malcolm Koonce: Koonce had a breakout year with eight sacks and will be looking to build on that success. If he continues to develop, the Raiders’ pass rush could be one of the best in the league.
Secondary Concerns:
- Loss of Amik Robertson: Robertson, who held quarterbacks to a low 80s passer rating, is a significant loss. The Raiders will need others to step up in the secondary.
- Jack Jones: Acquired midseason last year, Jones was a standout, allowing a passer rating in the low 60s. He’ll need to continue that level of play to stabilize the secondary.
- Safety Play: Trayvon Moehrig had a breakout season with three interceptions and a 65 passer rating allowed. However, his partner, Marcus Epps, struggled, allowing a rating over 115. The safety play will be critical to the Raiders’ success on defense.
Linebackers:
- Divine Deablo: Deablo led the team with 106 tackles last year and will be a key piece in stopping the run and covering tight ends.
- Robert Spillane: Spillane had a productive season with three interceptions and 3.5 sacks. His ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a valuable asset for the Raiders.

Season Outlook

The Raiders face a challenging season with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Here’s a breakdown of their potential floor and ceiling for 2024:

Win Total Floor: 4 Wins
- Why? If the quarterback situation doesn’t stabilize and the defense struggles to replace key losses in the secondary, the Raiders could find themselves near the bottom of the AFC West.
Win Total Ceiling: 10 Wins
- Why? If Gardner Minshew can replicate his Pro Bowl form and the defense, led by Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, can dominate, the Raiders could surprise and push for a playoff spot with a 10-7 record.

Final Thoughts

The Las Vegas Raiders are a team in transition, with a new head coach and several key changes on both sides of the ball. While there’s potential for improvement, much will depend on how quickly the new pieces come together, particularly at quarterback and in the secondary.

Key Points Recap

Gardner Minshew is expected to start at quarterback, but Aidan O’Connell could push for playing time.
Zamir White takes over as the starting running back, replacing Josh Jacobs.
Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers lead a solid receiving corps, with Trey Tucker and the tight end duo of Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers adding depth.
The defense is anchored by a strong pass rush, led by Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins.
Win total projection: 4 to 10 wins, depending on quarterback play and defensive consistency.

Raiders fans, it’s time to buckle up—2024 could be a rollercoaster ride in the Silver and Black!

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