When you think about the Arizona Cardinals vs Las Vegas Raiders, you probably don’t think about a blood feud. It isn’t the Bears and the Packers. It isn't even the Raiders and the Chiefs. But man, every time these two teams share a field, something bizarre happens. It’s like a magnet for chaos.
Think back to that wild 2022 game. Kyler Murray basically played a game of "tag" for 20 seconds on a two-point conversion that felt like it lasted an hour. Then you have the 2025 preseason matchup, which was supposed to be a sleepy August exhibition but turned into a nightmare for the Raiders' depth chart.
Honestly, this matchup is the "Desert Duel" that nobody asked for but everyone ends up watching because the script is always written by a madman.
The 2025 Preseason Disaster: What Just Happened?
Let’s talk about the most recent clash. On August 23, 2025, the Raiders traveled to State Farm Stadium for their preseason finale. On paper? Just a tune-up. In reality? A total mess for Las Vegas.
The game ended 20-10 in favor of Arizona, but the score is the least interesting part. The real story was Aidan O’Connell. He was looking sharp, 3-of-4 for 36 yards, and then—boom. A fractured right wrist. Coach Pete Carroll (yes, the Raiders' 2025 reality) had to announce he’d be out for nearly two months. It’s that kind of luck that seems to follow this specific head-to-head.
Geno Smith actually looked decent in his limited snaps, hitting rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. for a 17-yard score. But the Cardinals’ defense, led by rookie Jordan Burch and the relentless Xavier Thomas, just feasted on the Raiders' back-line offensive line. Thomas ended the night with two sacks and a fumble recovery. It wasn’t just a win for the Cards; it was a Statement with a capital S for their young depth.
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All-Time Series: A History of "Wait, Who Won?"
If you look at the record books for the Arizona Cardinals vs Las Vegas Raiders, it’s incredibly tight. We're talking about a series that dates back to 1973, back when the Cardinals were in St. Louis and the Raiders were the kings of Oakland.
The Raiders lead the all-time regular-season series 6-5. That is basically a coin flip.
- 1973: The first meeting. Raiders won 17-10.
- 2018: The Raiders edged out a 23-21 win in Glendale.
- 2022: The "Kyler Murray Magic" game where Arizona came back from 20-0 to win 29-23 in overtime.
The 2022 comeback is probably the most "Raiders" loss and the most "Cardinals" win in history. Hunter Renfrow fumbling twice in overtime? Byron Murphy Jr. scooping it up for a 59-yard walk-off touchdown? You literally cannot make this stuff up. It’s why fans of both teams get a little twitchy when they see the other team on the schedule.
The Cultural Connection: Desert vs. Vegas
There is a weird geographical tension here too. Since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, the "Desert Rivalry" has taken on a new flavor. A huge chunk of the Cardinals' fan base travels to Vegas for away games. Conversely, when the Raiders play in Glendale, half the stadium is Silver and Black.
It feels like a battle for the Southwest. Arizona is trying to prove they aren't just a "retirement home" for stars, while Vegas is trying to solidify their identity in a city that’s still learning to be a football town.
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Key Matchups That Defined the Latest Era
When these two teams meet, it’s usually about the speed vs. the "trench war."
Maxx Crosby vs. Paris Johnson Jr.
Crosby is a certified alien. He doesn't get tired. Watching him go up against Paris Johnson Jr. has become a masterclass in offensive tackle development. In their recent encounters, Crosby has found ways to get home, but Johnson's growth has made those wins much harder to come by.
Budda Baker vs. The Raiders' Tight Ends
Whether it’s Michael Mayer or a rotating cast of veterans, the Raiders love the middle of the field. Budda Baker is the eraser for Arizona. He’s the guy who usually prevents those 10-yard gains from becoming 40-yard house calls.
Kyler Murray's Legs
The Raiders' defense has historically struggled with "scramble drills." Kyler is the king of the scramble drill. Even when the Vegas pass rush gets pressure, Kyler has this annoying (if you’re a Raiders fan) habit of spinning out and finding James Conner or Marvin Harrison Jr. for a first down.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People assume that because they aren't in the same division, there’s no "heat."
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That’s just wrong.
The preseason meetings alone—which have happened almost every year for the last decade—have created a weird familiarity between the coaching staffs. They know each other’s schemes. They know which practice squad guys are worth poaching. It’s a chess match that starts in August and lingers whenever they meet in the regular season.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking at the Arizona Cardinals vs Las Vegas Raiders through a betting or analytical lens, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Home Field Advantage: It doesn't exist. These fan bases travel so well that "Home" is a relative term in this series.
- The Underdog Usually Covers: In the last few meetings, the spread has been tight, and the "dog" often finds a way to keep it within a score, mostly due to the high-variance plays (fumbles, weird special teams) that plague this matchup.
- Check the Injury Report Early: As we saw with O’Connell’s wrist injury, one play in this matchup can derail a season. Arizona's pass rush is currently younger and more aggressive than people realize.
Next Steps for the 2026 Season
Keep an eye on the waiver wire movements between these two. Because they play so often in the preseason, players who get cut from the Raiders often end up on the Cardinals' practice squad and vice versa. Knowing the "inside intel" on a former teammate can be the difference in a Week 10 regular-season clash.
If you're planning to attend the next game, book your Vegas or Phoenix hotels early. The "Desert Duel" is officially one of the most underrated travel games in the NFL, and the tickets are only getting more expensive as the rivalry (quietly) heats up.