Overview
- The Week 1 meeting is set for Sunday at Allegiant Stadium with a 1:25 p.m. PT kickoff on FOX.
- Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will miss the opener after a meniscus procedure, removing a primary offensive weapon and shifting snaps to Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas, and Jack Bech.
- Las Vegas plans to start veteran Kirk Cousins with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on the bench as the team leans on experienced quarterback play to begin the Klint Kubiak era.
- Miami will start Malik Willis at quarterback and is expected to lean heavily on running back De’Von Achane to exploit a Raiders run defense that ranked last in rushing defense last season.
- Most national experts favor the Raiders to win, and local beat writers highlight under-the-radar Las Vegas X-factors such as Foley Fatukasi, Darien Porter, and Jack Bech that could swing the game and influence early narratives for both franchises.