Sep 10, 2026 · 1h 32m
Raiders reshape offense after Bowers injury before Miami opener
Picks and Clearing the Decks
Las Vegas must replace its top tight end while proving a revamped defense and supporting cast can lift an offense that has lacked scoring punch.
- 1Michael Mayer inherits a larger role as Brock Bowers recovers from meniscus surgery and misses the opener.
- 2Raiders voices identify red-zone touchdowns, defensive stops, and stronger support for Kirk Cousins as matchup swing factors.
- 3JT favors established contenders, especially the Rams and Lions, over long-shot Super Bowl picks.
Don't miss
Phil Villapiano links the current Raiders-Dolphins opener to the hostility and championship standards of their 1970s rivalry.
The brief
Brock Bowers’ meniscus surgery changes the shape of Las Vegas’s home opener, pushing Michael Mayer into a larger role and putting more pressure on the running game.
Former Raiders linebacker Phil Villapiano revisits the fierce 1970s rivalry with Miami, arguing that the opener demands the old Raiders’ competitive edge.
Practice reporting turns to the modern roster: JT and Kevin Bollinger assess Mayer, the receivers around Kirk Cousins, and whether the revamped defense can carry its share.
Callers reduce the matchup to practical tests: finish drives with touchdowns, force defensive three-and-outs, and give Cousins enough support to win through the air.
The broader forecast favors teams already near contention, with JT making the Rams and Lions his most convincing Super Bowl cases rather than chasing long shots.
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