Current Oakland Raiders score: Why the Season Finale Win Actually Matters

Current Oakland Raiders score: Why the Season Finale Win Actually Matters

If you’re still typing "Oakland" into your search bar, I get it. Old habits die hard. But while the branding says Las Vegas, the grit in their season finale felt like classic Silver and Black. Honestly, looking for the current Oakland Raiders score right now leads you to a weirdly triumphant 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

It was ugly. It was rainy. It was beautiful.

They won. Finally.

Before that January 4th game at Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders were staring down a 10-game losing streak that felt like it would never end. But a win is a win, especially when it comes against Patrick Mahomes and the division rivals. Even though the 2025-2026 season is officially in the books for them, that final score is still the talk of the town because of what it did to the draft board.

The current Oakland Raiders score and that wild Week 18 finish

The game itself was a defensive slog. Daniel Carlson basically carried the entire team on his back, nailing a career-long 60-yard field goal with only eight seconds left on the clock. That kick didn't just win the game; it snapped a double-digit losing streak that had fans calling for heads to roll.

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The final was 14-12.

Think about that. 14 points. In 2026.

Geno Smith, who took over under center this year, struggled to find a rhythm against the Chiefs' pass rush, but the defense stepped up in a way we hadn't seen since October. Maxx Crosby was a man possessed, and the secondary actually held firm when it mattered most.

Breaking down the 2025-2026 season stats

If you look at the season as a whole, the numbers are... well, they're rough. The Raiders finished 3-14. They were dead last in the league for points per game, averaging a measly 14.2. That's essentially two touchdowns a game if you're lucky.

The defense wasn't much better, giving up over 25 points a night. Yet, in that final game, they looked like a different unit. They held a frustrated Chiefs team to four field goals. No touchdowns.

What the Raiders' final score means for the 2026 NFL Draft

Here is the part that sounds like a movie script. Usually, when a team wins their final game, they "hurt" their draft position. Fans often get mad at "meaningless" wins. But because the New York Giants pulled off an upset against the Cowboys on the same day, the Raiders actually clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft anyway.

They won the game and kept the top pick.

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It’s the best-case scenario for a team that desperately needs a franchise savior. Most experts, like those over at PFF and CBS Sports, are already mocking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or another top-tier signal-caller to the Silver and Black.

Why fans are still searching for the score

People are checking the current Oakland Raiders score because the playoff hunt is currently in full swing for everyone else. While the Raiders are at home, the ripples of their season-ending win are still felt. They effectively pushed the Chiefs into a lower seed, making Kansas City's road to the Super Bowl much harder.

It was a spoiler move. A classic Raider move.

Looking ahead to the 2026 off-season

The season is over, but the work is just starting. Pete Carroll, who took over as head coach this season, finished with that 3-14 record. There are massive questions about whether he stays or if the organization pivots again.

The roster has some bright spots:

  • Ashton Jeanty: The rookie back nearly hit 1,000 yards despite a crumbling offensive line.
  • Tre Tucker: He emerged as a legitimate deep threat with nearly 700 yards.
  • Isaiah Pola-Mao: A breakout year with 92 tackles at safety.

But the "current" status of this team is "In Transition." They have the most cap space in the league heading into March. They have the first pick in every round.

Basically, they have no more excuses.

If you're tracking the team today, don't look at the scoreboard—look at the scouting reports. The 14-12 win was a nice goodbye to a hard year, but the real "score" will be determined by who they call to the podium in April.

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Next Steps for Raiders Fans:
Keep a close eye on the NFL Scouting Combine in February. With the No. 1 overall pick secured, the Raiders will be the primary focus of every major trade rumor and quarterback evaluation. You should also monitor the defensive coordinator vacancy, as shore-ing up that side of the ball is priority number one for 2026.