Why the Las Vegas Raiders' strength of schedule may not tell the whole story in 2024

The release of the Las Vegas Raiders' schedule is a significant event for all football enthusiasts. While we were already aware of the opponents and venues, unveiling the dates and times adds a new level of excitement. Despite the initial impression of a challenging schedule, with matchups against formidable teams and those on the rise, the Raiders' resilience and determination shine through.

It's important to highlight the change in the Raiders' primetime game schedule, a significant shift from the previous season. While they were a regular feature in these high-profile matchups last year, the number has reduced this year. This adjustment, which appears to be fair and balanced, is a clear indication of the NFL's dedication to providing quality matchups.

For this year, the Raiders have been given one primetime game against the Kansas City Chiefs and one against the Atlanta Falcons. These are two games that could be winnable, considering one is a division matchup and the other is against a team with an unpredictable performance.

When you look at the strength of the schedule, though, the Raiders have the ninth-hardest schedule based on the win totals Vegas has for each team they play in 2024. Warren Sharp of Sharp Analytics also has the Raiders with the ninth-hardest schedule.

But looking at the schedule and how it has played out, it feels like the Raiders have a much easier schedule than the SOS says. There is a path where the Raiders can go 12-5 because of when they play certain teams and things of that nature.

In my predictions, I had the Raiders going 11-6, and I think they can actually do that. I also think that before the bye week, which comes in Week 10—the perfect bye week—the Raiders could have the lead in the division based on how hard the Chiefs schedule is and how the division record could look.

Lastly, it's crucial to note about their schedule: The Raiders do not have a single unwinnable game on their entire schedule. With the way their defense is structured and the array of weapons they have around their quarterbacks, they have a real chance to win every game. Will they? Most likely not.

It would be a miracle if they did because it hasn't been done in a long time. But there are also some very losable games on the schedule. A lot of that has to do with the fact that you just didn't know what we would get from this team.

But, only time will tell.