In the wake of the Las Vegas Raiders' 2024 schedule being released last week, we thought it would be a good time to take a look at the team's six-easiest games on the upcoming slate.
We use the term "easiest" very loosely because, you know, "any given Sunday," right? Not to mention, the Raiders aren't exactly one of the elite teams in the NFL, although they should push for a playoff spot in 2024.
Las Vegas' slate overall won't be easy by any stretch. In fact, the Raiders own the ninth-toughest schedule in the NFL, according to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, who uses 2024 win projections from Vegas oddsmakers.
So, which games are the Raiders most likely to win in 2024? Here's what we came up with.
Raiders' easiest games on 2024 schedule
Week 1 at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are in the midst of a rebuild and will have a new head coach in Jim Harbaugh, so it might take some time for this team to get acclimated to the new system. Even still, the Chargers are never an easy out with Justin Herbert under center, although his offensive weapons have been reduced to rubble.
Week 3 vs. Carolina Panthers
After a 2-15 season, the Panthers should be better in 2024, but that is not a guarantee and will depend upon how big of a step forward Bryce Young takes. Even if Carolina does improve, that still might just mean a six-win season. Either way, there's nothing scary about a home matchup against the Panthers.
Week 5 at Denver Broncos
The Broncos haven't beaten the Raiders in Denver since 2019, with Las Vegas having won each of the last four meetings at Mile High, or whatever they're calling it these days. Add in the fact that the Broncos are in the midst of a rebuild with a rookie quarterback and this should be a "W" for the Raiders.
Week 6 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Unless you believe Russell Wilson is going to make a big difference for the Steelers under center (he should be better than Kenny Pickett but that isn't saying much), this is going to be one of the easier games on Las Vegas' difficult slate. Personally, I'd rather face Wilson than Justin Fields, which is why this early matchup is ideal.
Week 12 vs. Denver Broncos
Take everything we said about the Broncos before and then throw in the fact that this is a home game for Las Vegas. The Raiders haven't lost a home game to the Broncos since the Obama administration (2015), winning a whopping eight straight, including every game at Allegiant Stadium since 2020.
Week 18 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Raiders could be playing for a playoff spot in this game and the Chargers are likely to be playing out the string. Adding to that, the Raiders have won 3-of-4 at Allegiant Stadium against the Chargers since it opened in 2020.
