The Las Vegas Raiders have looked incredible early in the 2026 season. Vegas is 3-0 headed into Week 4 after an impressive 35-27 road win over New Orleans. But is the rest of the NFL buying the hype around the Raiders?
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano shared what they're hearing from NFL figures about the Raiders' hot start in a recent article. NFL evaluators do not believe that Vegas' 3-0 start is a fluke.
“I have no reason to believe it is a fluke right now,” one AFC executive said, per Fowler.
There are several reasons to believe that the Raiders' success is sustainable. Vegas improved their quarterback play with Kirk Cousins and upgraded the offensive line. Those moves, paired with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, have stabilized the offense. Meanwhile, the Raiders pumped resources into their defense this offseason. Those moves are already paying dividends.
That said, the Raiders now face one of the most difficult stretches on their schedule of the entire season.
“But the early schedule was soft, and the Raiders knew they needed to start fast. Kansas City (Week 4), Buffalo (Week 6) and the L.A. Rams (Week 7) await,” Fowler added. “The next month will illustrate where the Raiders really are in their rebuild.”
Vegas can establish themselves as a real threat in the AFC if they can get a few wins over that span. But getting wins against the NFL's best teams is never easy.
Still, Raiders fans have plenty of reason for optimism with head coach Klint Kubiak leading the team. He did not waste any time before completely changing the culture of the organization. Now it seems like anything is possible.
“The Raiders entered this season with no expectations, so to be 3-0 indicates that Kubiak has quickly succeeded in establishing some sort of culture on which to build,” Graziano wrote.
It will be fascinating to see how Vegas responds to their upcoming matchups against the NFL's elite teams.
Raiders vs. Chiefs kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Oct. 4 from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Valley.