What the fantasy, betting markets say about expectations for 2026 Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are not projected to win a full slate of games this season, with win totals expected to fall between 5.5 and 6.5. According to Sharp Football Analysis, which relies on implied component totals, Las Vegas is forecast to average just 18.8 points per game—a figure that places it among the five lowest‑scoring offenses in the NFL. Optimism does exist, however, centered on two of the team’s young offensive weapons. Las Vegas is one of only five NFL franchises that have two players selected within the first two rounds of fantasy drafts, based on average draft position data from the major fantasy platforms. The other four teams in that group—the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons—show a clear split in projected scoring. The Lions, Bengals and Cowboys are each expected to finish inside the league’s top six for points, while Atlanta remains an outlier, projected to score 21 points per good and rank 24th overall. These observations emerge from an examination of fantasy trends, analytical metrics and betting markets as the new season approaches. Brock Bowers has risen above Arizona’s Trey McBride as the premier tight end in fantasy circles. His ADP, as of Sunday afternoon during the heart of the draft season, sits at 21.8. Analysts estimate Bowers will accumulate roughly 950.5 receiving yards over the course of the season if he stays healthy, with a corresponding reception total of about 84.5. Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders’ running back, continues to generate considerable discussion among fantasy managers. Earlier in the draft cycle Jeanty was frequently selected in the early rounds, but two developments altered his trajectory. First, he sustained an injury that was initially described as vague, causing his ADP to slip into the middle rounds for roughly two days. Second, rookie fourth‑round pick Mike Washington Jr. emerged as a preseason standout, prompting concern that head coach Klint Kubiak might replicate his Seattle‑era usage of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet—a scenario that proved detrimental to fantasy rosters in real life. Consequently, Jeanty’s ADP has settled at 20.7, ranking him 12th among running backs, a noticeable decline from his earlier fringe‑top‑10 standing a month ago. While his rushing projection has been removed from some betting boards due to uncertainty, the market still lists an approximate season‑long rush total of 974.5 yards, alongside a reception total of 51.5 yards. Given the explosive potential of Bowers and Jeanty, coupled with the arrival of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak—regarded as one of the league’s sharpest young offensive minds—questions persist about why skepticism remains regarding the Raiders’ offensive outlook. The answer lies largely in the supporting cast. Although the offensive line is anticipated to improve, it has yet to demonstrate that improvement on the field, and there is little evidence that other contributors will step up to complement Bowers and Jeanty. No Raiders receiver is currently being selected inside the top 150 of fantasy drafts. Tre Tucker leads the group with an ADP of 154, which ranks him 60th among all wide receivers. Jalen Nailor follows at 157.5 (63rd overall), while Jack Bech and Malik Benson fall outside the top 100, each owning less than one percent of roster shares. Benson, however, presents an intriguing option for dynasty formats, having forged quick chemistry with rookie running back Fernando Mendoza. The team’s top‑rated wide receiver—though not named in the source—is also viewed as a viable dynasty play, yet he is being drafted ahead of starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in redraft leagues. Neither player is considered a mainstream fantasy pick. Mendoza’s ADP places him 30th among NFL quarterbacks, with Cousins a few spots behind at 33rd. Mendoza’s season‑long projections have largely been discarded after the official announcement that he will not be named the starting quarterback. As a result, betting markets show limited confidence in the Raiders’ overall offensive output, despite enthusiasm for the duo of Bowers and Jeanty. Sentiment appears even more pessimistic when looking at the opposite side of the ball. Although Las Vegas draws a favorable opening matchup against the Miami Dolphins, its defense and special teams units are ranked 28th in ADP and are projected to finish 30th according to FantasyPros.