While this game may feel inconsequential on the surface, it does possess serious implications on the future of the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Sunday, the Raiders bring the 2025 season to a close when they face the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Should the Raiders lose this contest, they will clinch the first overall pick in April’s draft. From there, the debate will circle around Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore, making Friday’s Peach Bowl between the two quarterbacks must-watch television. However, the Raiders have one more game to get through, and they will want to play hard to cement their own futures in the NFL.
Here is what the Raiders will be looking for before they close the curtain until September.
Split decision
Geno Smith has been confirmed out for this game, bringing his season, and potentially his tenure with the Raiders, to a close.
The team has decided that they will implement a two-quarterback system, with Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell splitting reps. Pickett started in the shutout loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, while O’Connell would be making his season debut after missing most of the year with a shoulder injury. Whoever impresses most will have the best chance to be the backup for the Raiders going forward, so they will hope to make the most of their chances.
Future shock
With nothing but draft position on the line, this makes for an excellent time to see what the Raiders have for the future.
Rumors of a Maxx Crosby trade are reaching a fever pitch, and pulling the trigger would effectively usher in a full-scale rebuild for the Raiders. Young players who have not received many snaps, such as rookie offensive tackle Charles Grant and special teamers such as linebacker Cody Lindenberg and cornerback Decamerion Richardson, should be rewarded for sticking it out this season with a chance to earn a larger role for 2026. The Raiders will be looking to upgrade most of the roster this coming offseason, but any in-house solutions would be appreciated.
Is this the end?
Both the Raiders and Chiefs could effectively be waving goodbye to NFL legends after the clock hits zero.
Currently, the Raiders are weighing moving on from head coach Pete Carroll after a disappointing first season, which could bring an end to the 74-year-old’s legendary coaching career. Meanwhile, the Chiefs could be witnessing the final career game of tight end Travis Kelce, who has stood as one of the pillars of the team’s dynasty over the past few years. Both teams will surely want to send off these future Hall of Famers with a win, so expect neither team to take this as a ‘meaningless’ game.
