The highly-anticipated release of the 2024 NFL schedule has finally come and now we know the exact dates and times of the Las Vegas Raiders' upcoming slate, as well as the channels the games will be on.
In the wake of the release, we have the Raiders navigating their schedule en route to a 9-8 record, a one-game improvement from last season. Obviously, that won't be good enough to unseat the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West, but that record could get the Raiders into the playoffs.
You can check out our game-by-game predictions here, and the full schedule can be found right here.
Now, a look at our biggest takeaways from the 2024 slate.
MORE: Raiders record predictions from experts
Raiders schedule takeaways
1. Only one primetime game
The Raiders have just one primetime game, which comes in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. Las Vegas also has a Black Friday game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it's not in a primetime slot (noon PT).
2. Two road games to start the season
The Raiders won't play their home opener until the Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers. Las Vegas starts their 2024 season with road games versus the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens.
3. Derek Carr revenge game in Week 17
Unfortunately, Raiders fans who were looking forward to facing an old friend in Derek Carr will have to wait until late in the season. However, that game could have playoff implications, which will only add more juice to it.
4. A tough stretch from Week 6-14
The Raiders will play a grand total of six games versus 2023 playoff teams in nine weeks, a list that includes the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs (twice), Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Also in that stretch is the Cincinnati Bengals, who could very well make the playoffs in 2024. The easiest game in that span is against a divisional foe, the Denver Broncos.
5. A late bye week
The Raiders will have a late bye in Week 10. That can be either good or bad, depending on how things are going at that point. If the Raiders can make the playoffs, the late bye will be a big plus.