Raiders Have Started 2026 Season With 2-0 Record

The Las Vegas team secured victories over the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers to open their campaign.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football

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The Las Vegas Raiders have opened the 2026 NFL season with a 2-0 record following victories over the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Las Vegas Raiders have achieved a 2-0 start to the 2026 NFL season. They secured these early wins by defeating both the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Why it matters

The strong start positions the team well early in the season, with notable individual performances fueling their success. Players and analysts are already highlighting key connections within the offensive coaching staff as central to their current trajectory.

Kirk Cousins recorded 253 passing yards and three touchdowns on 19-for-29 passing during the Week 2 win. The team tallied 57 rushing yards during the same game.

The players

Kirk Cousins

He is a veteran NFL quarterback currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Russell Wilson

He is a veteran NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion who frequently provides public commentary on fellow players.

Klint Kubiak

He serves as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders and is credited with developing the team's offensive strategy.

Maxx Crosby

He is a star defensive player for the Las Vegas Raiders known for his high-energy leadership on the field.

Las Vegas Raiders

The professional football franchise based in Las Vegas that competes in the NFL's AFC West division.

The details

Kirk Cousins led the offense past the Los Angeles Chargers, relying on his passing accuracy after the team was limited to 57 rushing yards. Russell Wilson recently praised the quarterback, noting his grit and his effective partnership with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Timeline

  1. September 22, 2026: Russell Wilson predicted Kirk Cousins would win Comeback Player of the Year in a video.

Season Trajectory

The Raiders' undefeated start establishes them as a competitive factor in the early AFC playoff picture. This momentum sets a high expectation for their upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The Raiders' reliance on a pass-heavy attack during the Week 2 win suggests a shift in offensive identity for fantasy managers to monitor. The limited 57-yard rushing performance highlights a potential concern for the team's balance heading into the Week 3 game.

The takeaway

The Raiders are currently banking on strong quarterback play to mask deficiencies in their run game. Fans should look to the Week 3 matchup against the Saints as a litmus test for whether this offensive strategy can be sustained.

Further reading

For more on the local team's performance, see the Football section.

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Does an undefeated start guarantee a successful season for your local NFL team?