The NFL will release the full 2026 regular-season schedule Thursday at 4:30 p.m. PT, but leaks and rumors have already painted a likely picture for the Las Vegas Raiders. Based on information from the X account @NerdingonNFL and other sources, the Raiders appear set to open the season at home against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, followed by a trip to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.
According to the leaks, the Raiders’ home slate includes the Dolphins, Chiefs (Week 4), Bills (Week 6), Rams (Week 7), Seahawks (Week 10), Chargers (Week 14), Broncos (Week 15), and Titans (Week 16). Road games are projected at the Chargers, Saints (Week 3), Patriots (Week 5), Jets (Week 8), 49ers (Week 9), Broncos (Week 11), Browns (Week 12), Cardinals (Week 17), and Chiefs (Week 18). The bye falls in Week 13.
The Raiders were not selected for any of the nine international games, meaning their trip to Levi’s Stadium to face the 49ers in Week 9 will mark their first regular-season game in the Bay Area since leaving Oakland after the 2019 season. They will also visit New Orleans for the third time in five seasons.
Other confirmed matchups around the league include the Giants opening against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 1. The league will not review teams’ schedule release videos for jokes about Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, according to Front Office Sports, leaving the door open for potential barbs from opponents like the Chargers—or the Raiders, who travel to New England this season.
Fans can expect the official schedule to confirm or correct the leaks later Thursday.
