The Las Vegas Raiders will begin the 2026 NFL season at home against the Miami Dolphins in a matchup between two AFC teams trying to establish new identities.
Las Vegas enters the season with Klint Kubiak taking over as head coach, Kirk Cousins starting at quarterback and Fernando Mendoza waiting behind him as the potential future of the franchise. Miami is also beginning a new chapter under head coach Jeff Hafley, with Malik Willis replacing Tua Tagovailoa as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback.
Neither team is entering Week 1 with championship-or-bust expectations. Both organizations are rebuilding after disappointing seasons, but that makes the opener particularly important. A victory would provide immediate credibility to a new coaching staff and create some early breathing room before the schedule becomes more difficult.
Raiders vs. Dolphins Game Information
Matchup: Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Kickoff: 1:25 p.m. Pacific / 4:25 p.m. Eastern
Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
Television: FOX
National radio: ESPN Radio
Raiders radio: KOMP 92.3 FM and KRLV Raider Nation Radio 920 AM
The official Raiders broadcast guide lists Chris Myers on play-by-play and Mark Schlereth as the television analyst. ESPN Radio will carry the game nationally, while Jason Horowitz and Kirk Morrison will handle the Raiders’ local radio broadcast over at www.raiders.com.
A New Raiders Offense Under Klint Kubiak
The Raiders hired Kubiak after finishing 3-14 in 2025 and securing the first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kubiak arrives in Las Vegas with an offensive approach built around the running game, pre-snap movement and play-action passing. The system should create opportunities for Ashton Jeanty, who enters his second NFL season as one of the most important players on the Raiders’ roster.
Jeanty appeared on the Week 1 injury report because of an ankle issue, but he participated fully in practice throughout the week and did not receive a final game designation. Barring an unexpected setback before kickoff, he is cleared to play.
The Raiders’ official game analysis identified controlling possession through Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. as one of Las Vegas’ clearest paths to victory. If the running game consistently creates manageable second and third downs, Cousins should have opportunities to attack Miami through play action.
Cousins will start instead of Mendoza, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The decision gives Kubiak an experienced quarterback while Mendoza continues developing behind him.
The Raiders do not need Cousins to carry the entire offense in Week 1. They need him to protect the football, identify pressure and convert the opportunities created by the running game.
Brock Bowers Is Out Against Miami
The biggest confirmed absence for either team is Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Las Vegas officially ruled Bowers out after he missed all three practices with a knee injury. Jeanty was the only other Raider included on the final injury report, but his full participation left him without a game designation.
Losing Bowers removes the Raiders’ most dangerous receiving matchup. His combination of size, speed and open-field ability allows him to threaten defenses from multiple alignments. Without him, Las Vegas will need more production from Michael Mayer and an unsettled group of wide receivers.
Mayer enters the opener with some additional security after signing a multiyear extension. According to the Raiders, the former second-round pick recorded 83 receptions for 788 yards and three touchdowns across his first 38 NFL games.
Mayer is not a direct replacement for everything Bowers provides, but he can contribute as an in-line blocker, possession receiver and reliable target between the numbers. His blocking may become especially valuable if Las Vegas commits to wearing Miami down with Jeanty.
Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech also have an opportunity to establish themselves in Kubiak’s offense. If Miami crowds the line of scrimmage to stop the run, at least one Raiders receiver must win consistently on the outside.
Miami Starts Over With Malik Willis
The Dolphins will begin the Jeff Hafley era with Willis running the offense.
Miami finished 7-10 in 2025 before making substantial changes. The Dolphins moved on from several recognizable offensive players, including Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Alec Ingold. Their 2026 additions included Willis, offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and receiver Chris Bell, according to the Raiders’ official opponent profile.
The new-look roster places significant pressure on Willis and running back De’Von Achane.
Willis presents a different challenge than a conventional pocket quarterback. His mobility can turn a failed passing play into a first down, while designed quarterback runs and read-option concepts force defenders to remain disciplined.
The Raiders cannot allow their pursuit of Willis to create open running lanes. Maxx Crosby and the rest of the defensive front must generate pressure without abandoning their assignments on the edge.
Achane remains Miami’s most proven offensive weapon. His acceleration can change the game on a handoff, screen or short pass. Las Vegas will need to tackle well in space and prevent routine completions from becoming explosive gains.
The Raiders’ official preview emphasized keeping Miami’s offense in front of the defense and limiting yards after the catch. Las Vegas would rather make Willis complete a series of difficult throws than give Achane opportunities to break open the game with one play.
Maxx Crosby Against Miami’s Offensive Line
Crosby could be the most influential defensive player on the field.
The veteran enters his eighth NFL season as the leader of the Raiders’ defense and the player Miami must locate before every snap. His impact extends beyond conventional sacks. Crosby can disrupt the running game, force quarterbacks away from their preferred reads and create opportunities for the rest of the defensive front.
Miami can slow him by establishing Achane early, moving Willis outside the pocket and avoiding obvious passing situations. If the Dolphins repeatedly face third-and-long, Crosby will have the freedom to attack.
The Raiders also need pressure from players other than Crosby. Miami can direct additional protection toward him if the remainder of the defensive front fails to win individual matchups.
Miami Enters Week 1 Relatively Healthy
The Dolphins’ final injury report did not include any players carrying a game designation.
Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Will Kacmarek progressed from limited participation to full participation, while Seydou Traore and Dante Trader also practiced fully Friday. The official report did not list any Miami player as out, doubtful or questionable.
Miami also elevated veteran edge defender Clelin Ferrell to the active roster for the opener. His familiarity with the Raiders adds another storyline to a game already filled with new personnel.
Las Vegas has the more consequential injury because of Bowers’ absence, but Jeanty’s availability keeps the foundation of Kubiak’s expected game plan intact.
The Running Game Could Decide the Opener
Both teams have reasons to keep the ball on the ground.
Las Vegas wants Jeanty to establish the physical identity of its new offense. Miami wants Achane to create favorable situations for Willis and prevent Crosby from attacking predictable passing downs.
That places additional importance on first down.
If the Raiders consistently limit Achane to short gains, Willis will have to prove he can convert from the pocket. If Miami stops Jeanty without committing an extra defender near the line, Cousins may have trouble generating explosive plays without Bowers.
Long possessions, field position and turnovers could matter more than total yardage. Neither coaching staff should want to begin a new era by asking its quarterback to attempt 40 or more passes.
Raider Nation Still Extends Beyond Las Vegas
The Raiders may now play in Nevada, but their connection to Southern California remains strong.
Respect My Region’s guide to the best NFL watch bars in Los Angeles reflects the lasting presence of Raider Nation throughout the region. The team continues to command attention across Los Angeles, Oakland and Las Vegas, especially when a new season creates another opportunity for the franchise to change direction.
A home opener featuring a new coach, new quarterback and recently drafted potential franchise quarterback gives supporters plenty to evaluate beyond the final score.
Raiders vs. Dolphins Betting Odds
Sportsbooks generally installed Las Vegas as a three to three-and-a-half-point favorite, with the projected total sitting around 40.5 points.
The narrow spread reflects the uncertainty surrounding both teams. Las Vegas has the home-field advantage and the more experienced quarterback, while Miami has enough speed with Willis and Achane to keep the game close.
Odds can move before kickoff. Readers should confirm the current spread, moneyline and total directly through their preferred legal sportsbook.
Raiders vs. Dolphins Prediction
Miami has enough athleticism to make this a difficult opener. Achane may be the most explosive offensive player in the matchup, while Willis can create problems if the Raiders lose discipline in their pass-rush lanes.
Las Vegas still has the more dependable path to victory.
The Raiders are playing at home, Jeanty is available and Cousins gives Kubiak a veteran quarterback capable of managing the opening game of a new system. Bowers’ absence lowers the ceiling of the passing attack, but Mayer should provide enough stability for Las Vegas to move the ball.
The Raiders should attempt to control possession, force Miami to execute extended drives and allow Crosby to attack Willis in predictable passing situations. If Las Vegas avoids turnovers and unnecessary penalties, the home team has enough to begin the season 1-0.
Prediction: Raiders 23, Dolphins 17
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