There hasn’t been much to cheer for this season for the Las Vegas Raiders, but they ended the season in exciting fashion.
On Sunday, the Raiders closed out the season by way of Daniel Carlson’s career-high 60-yard field goal to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12 at Allegiant Stadium.
For those worried about draft position, the Raiders sealed the first overall pick in April’s draft when the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys earlier in the day. Therefore, the Raiders are officially on the clock.
Here is how the Raiders managed to get one over on their nemesis.
Heavy lifting
With neither Kenny Pickett or Aidan O’Connell impressing on offense, Ashton Jeanty was entrusted to carry the Raiders.
Jeanty was given a season-high 26 carries for 87 yards, as well as three receptions for seven yards. Despite the struggles at points this season to get going, the production allowed Jeanty to break the franchise record for most scrimmage yards by a rookie set by Josh Jacobs in 2019. The expectation will be that Jeanty remains a focal point on offense in 2026, hopefully with improvement on the offensive line.
Keeping up the rush
Maxx Crosby’s future with the Raiders is in doubt, but the team got plenty of contributions from players hoping to fill that void.
Tyree Wilson, who has put together a solid year, got two forced fumbles on quarterback Chris Oladokun, as well as a safety on backup Shane Buechele. Meanwhile, fourth-round rookie defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway put together a two-sack game to prove he warrants more snaps in 2026. Both players project to be squarely in the defensive line rotation next season, and they proved their case with a strong final impression.
What happens now
The Raiders have an offseason filled with difficult decisions in front of them, particularly at head coach and quarterback.
Reports prior to the game have indicated that this will be the last game for head coach Pete Carroll, ending his tenure with the team with one season. Meanwhile, Geno Smith’s future with the Raiders is up in the air, putting a new signal-caller firmly on the list of priorities. Fortunately, top prospects in Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore square off on Friday in the Peach Bowl, so the Raiders will not have to wait long to see their potential futures.
