The Las Vegas Raiders sit at 3-0 heading into Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season, defying preseason expectations that framed the franchise as a transitional team waiting on rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Under the guidance of Klint Kubiak and veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas has captured early momentum in the AFC West, setting up a division clash against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Early Wins Build Early Momentum
Las Vegas opened the 2026 campaign with a 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins overcame a bumpy debut that included two interceptions to reach a career milestone by throwing three touchdown passes, making him just the 15th quarterback in NFL history to record 300 career passing scores. Second-year running back Ashton Jeanty powered the offense with 102 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns, showing no lingering effects from an August ankle injury. Defensively, Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, and Nakobe Dean harassed Miami quarterback Malik Willis into five sacks and limited running back De’Von Achane to 3.3 yards per carry.
The momentum continued in Week 2 with a 26-14 road win against the Los Angeles Chargers. The victory marked Las Vegas’s first away win against the Chargers since 2020. Practice squad elevation Cody White caught two touchdowns, while wide receiver Tre Tucker added five receptions for 119 yards and a score, highlighted by a 40-yard touchdown catch. Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses intercepted Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert twice, and kicker Matt Gay converted a career-long 59-yard field goal. Kubiak praised his veteran quarterback’s steady hand after Cousins delivered his second consecutive three-touchdown performance.
Defense and Turnovers Seal Week 3 Victory
In Week 3, the Raiders secured a 35-27 win over the New Orleans Saints. After a start that let Saints quarterback Tyler Shough control the pace for three quarters, the Las Vegas defense stiffened in the final frame. The unit forced four turnovers and pitched a shutout in the fourth quarter to preserve the win. Malcolm Koonce forced a crucial fourth-quarter fumble on Shough that was confirmed by video review, setting up a short-range touchdown pass from Cousins to White. Masses added his third interception in two weeks, and tight end Brock Bowers—making his season debut—finished with 10 receptions for 116 yards and a late four-yard touchdown that sealed the outcome.
Kubiak and Cousins Stabilize the Offense
The partnership between Kubiak and Cousins has provided immediate stability, easing the pressure for an immediate transition to Fernando Mendoza. While questions regarding interceptions and arm strength remain topics of discussion among analysts, Cousins has executed the offensive scheme efficiently, tossing nine touchdowns through the first three games. Meanwhile, Bowers's return against New Orleans highlighted the versatility of an offense that managed to win its first two contests without its primary receiving threat.
The Raiders return to action in Week 4 with a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs for sole possession of first place in the AFC West.
