The NFL schedule release is an annual event that gets football fans excited, and 2026 is no exception. But what makes this year's release particularly intriguing is the focus on the Las Vegas Raiders, who are set to unveil their schedule on Thursday, May 14 at 4:30 p.m. PT. As an expert commentator, I'm here to break down what you need to know about the Raiders' schedule release and what it means for the team and its fans.
The Big Reveal
The Raiders' schedule release will be a highly anticipated event, with fans eager to see who the team will be facing in the upcoming season. The release will be exclusive to Raiders.com, the Raiders app, and across the team's social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. A full reveal and analysis of all 32 teams' schedules will then air on NFL Network, ESPN2, the ESPN App, and NFL+ at 5 p.m. PT.
Home and Away
The Raiders are slated for eight home games and nine on the road in 2026. Their opponents include some familiar faces, such as the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers. But there are also some new additions to the schedule, such as the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns. Personally, I think the addition of the Patriots will be a challenging test for the Raiders, given their recent success in the division.
Strength of Schedule
Based on 2025 opponent win percentage, the Raiders have the seventh-toughest strength of schedule. Their opponents had a combined win percentage of .529, which means they'll be facing some tough competition throughout the season. However, I believe the Raiders have the talent and depth to compete with any team in the league, and their schedule will provide them with a true test of their mettle.
International Games
One of the most exciting aspects of the Raiders' schedule is the potential for international games. Based on their 2026 opponents, there are two options for the Raiders to be the visiting team for international games. They could face the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France, or the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City, Mexico. A NFL-record nine international games will be held this year in Rio De Janeiro, Paris, Melbourne, Mexico City, Munich, Madrid, and London, which makes the Raiders' potential international games all the more exciting.
What to Watch For
As an expert commentator, I'll be keeping a close eye on the Raiders' schedule release for several key factors. First, I'll be looking for any surprises in the schedule, such as a potential matchup against a top-tier team earlier in the season. Second, I'll be analyzing the strength of schedule to see how it compares to other teams in the division and across the league. Finally, I'll be paying close attention to the international games, as they could provide the Raiders with a unique opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage.
Conclusion
The NFL schedule release is an exciting time for football fans, and the Raiders' release is no exception. With a challenging strength of schedule and the potential for international games, the Raiders are set to have a busy and exciting season in 2026. As an expert commentator, I can't wait to see how the team performs and what surprises the schedule has in store. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready for the big reveal on Thursday, May 14 at 4:30 p.m. PT!
