LAS VEGAS — A new era of Raiders football begins Sunday. The Las Vegas Raiders will host the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium in their 2026 season opener, with both organizations entering Week 1 with new head coaches and significant changes at quarterback.
For Las Vegas, Klint Kubiak makes his Raiders coaching debut after serving as offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-bound Seattle Seahawks last season. Despite selecting Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Kubiak will begin the season with veteran Kirk Cousins at quarterback.
It’s a familiar partnership. Kubiak served as Cousins’ quarterbacks coach with the Minnesota Vikings from 2019-20 before becoming his offensive coordinator in 2021. During those three seasons, Cousins threw 94 touchdown passes fifth-most in the NFL during that span.
Now they’re reunited in Las Vegas. The constant turnover also puts the Raiders in unusual company. They’re just the second team since 1950 to enter four consecutive season openers with a different head coach and starting quarterback, joining the 2020-23 Houston Texans.
The Raiders hope Kubiak and Cousins can finally provide some stability.
Miami Begins Its Own New Era
Miami will also debut a new head coach-quarterback combination. Former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley takes over the Dolphins and brought quarterback Malik Willis with him from Green Bay.
Miami signed Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract after he showed promise during his limited opportunities with the Packers. Willis went 2-1 as a Green Bay starter, completing 79.6 percent of his passes for 612 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while producing a 132.4 passer rating.
His mobility also gives the Raiders’ revamped defense another concern. Willis has averaged 6.6 yards per rushing attempt during his NFL career and could punish Las Vegas if containment breaks down.
Raiders Spent Big to Get Better
Few teams attacked the offseason more aggressively than Las Vegas. The Raiders spent approximately $281 million in free agency while attempting to rebuild a roster that wasn’t good enough last season.
One of their biggest additions came along the offensive line with All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum. Improving that unit could be particularly important for running back Ashton Jeanty. Sunday’s matchup gives Jeanty an opportunity to start the season with a huge performance.
Miami’s run defense struggled badly last season. The Dolphins surrendered 2,251 rushing yards, an average of 132.4 per game. Opponents averaged 4.8 yards per carry against them and scored 18 rushing touchdowns.
That’s exactly where Kubiak should attack. With Cousins starting and Mendoza waiting behind him, Las Vegas doesn’t need to make its season opener unnecessarily complicated.
Give Jeanty the football. Establish the running game. Allow Cousins to operate off play-action. Keep Miami’s offense on the sideline. The Raiders have spent heavily to improve this roster, but money doesn’t guarantee immediate success. With two new coaching staffs and quarterbacks beginning new chapters, Week 1 could be unpredictable.
Las Vegas does, however, have one obvious advantage to exploit. If the rebuilt offensive line performs as expected, Jeanty could be in position for a monster afternoon.
Dice City Sports prediction: Expect a heavy dose of Ashton Jeanty and don’t be surprised if the Raiders running back opens 2026 with 100-plus rushing yards and a touchdown. Raiders 28-16
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
