You're sitting there, checking the clock, maybe wearing that slightly faded Davante Adams jersey, and wondering exactly when is the next Raiders game. It’s the ritual. Whether they are dominant or making us pull our hair out, the Silver and Black have a pull that most NFL teams can't replicate.
Right now, the Raiders are in the heart of their 2025-2026 campaign. If you are looking for the immediate answer, the Las Vegas Raiders are scheduled to take on the Los Angeles Chargers this coming Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is set for 1:05 PM PT at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. It’s a road game, but let’s be real—SoFi is basically Allegiant South when Raider Nation shows up.
Why This Week’s Matchup Matters More Than Usual
The schedule says it’s just Week 18. The standings might say something different. For the Raiders, this game against the Chargers isn't just a divisional rivalry; it’s about momentum heading into the offseason or, if the chips fell right, a desperate grab for a wild card spot.
Every time these two teams meet, things get weird. Remember the 63-21 blowout a few years back? Or the "Timeout Game" that sent the Raiders to the playoffs and the Chargers home? History repeats itself in the AFC West. This game is the regular-season finale. It’s the last time we get to see this specific roster together before the inevitable chaos of the NFL Draft and free agency takes over.
If you're planning on watching, you've got a few options. It’ll be on CBS for most of the West Coast. If you’re out of market, NFL+ or Sunday Ticket is your best bet. Honestly, sometimes just finding the right stream feels like a sport in itself.
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Breaking Down the 2025 Schedule and Future Slates
When people ask when is the next Raiders game, they are usually looking for the immediate fix. But looking at the broader 2025-2026 schedule tells a story of a team that had to travel a lot of miles.
The NFL’s scheduling algorithm wasn't particularly kind this year. The Raiders had to deal with the "East Coast swing" multiple times, which always takes a toll on a team based in the desert. We saw games against the NFC South this year—matchups with the Falcons and Saints that tested the depth of the secondary.
The Home Field Advantage at Allegiant
There is something different about Vegas. The "Death Star" has become a destination. When you look at the home schedule, the Raiders played host to some heavy hitters this year, including the Chiefs and the Broncos.
- The Chiefs Game: Always the loudest. It doesn't matter what the record is; when Patrick Mahomes comes to town, the atmosphere shifts.
- The Weather Factor: It doesn't exist. One of the perks of the new era is that we don't have to worry about the "Black Hole" turning into a swamp or a frozen tundra. It’s 72 degrees and perfect, every single time.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Once this Sunday's game concludes, the "next game" becomes a matter of the 2026 preseason. We already know who the opponents will be, even if the dates aren't set. Because of the NFL’s rotation, the Raiders are slated to face the NFC North and the AFC East next season.
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That means matchups against the Lions, Packers, and a flight out to face the Jets or Dolphins. It’s a brutal cycle. The NFL doesn't do "easy" years.
The Quarterback Situation and Game Impact
You can't talk about the next game without talking about who is taking the snaps. The Raiders have been in a bit of a transition period. Whether it’s a veteran bridge or a young gun trying to prove he belongs, the offensive rhythm has been... let's say "inconsistent."
Maxx Crosby remains the heartbeat. If you’re tuning in this Sunday, watch #99. He’s usually the reason the Raiders stay in games they have no business being in. The "Condor" doesn't take plays off, even in Week 18 when the playoffs might be out of reach. That’s the Raider way.
How to Get Tickets for the Next Game
If you’re trying to go to the game at SoFi or looking ahead to next season's opener at Allegiant, don't wait. Ticket prices for the Raiders are among the highest in the league.
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- Check secondary markets early: Sites like StubHub and SeatGeek are the standard, but the fees will kill you.
- The "Raider Way" to Save: Look for tickets on Tuesday or Wednesday before a Sunday game. Panic selling is real.
- Allegiant Stadium Tours: If you can't afford the game, the stadium tour is actually pretty cool. You get to see the locker room and the Al Davis Memorial Torch.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Raiders Schedule
There is a myth that the Raiders always get screwed by the referees and the league office with travel. Well, the travel part is actually backed by data. West Coast teams consistently fly more miles than teams in the AFC North or NFC East.
When you're wondering when is the next Raiders game, you also have to consider the "body clock" factor. A 1:00 PM ET kickoff in Miami feels like 10:00 AM to a player living in Summerlin. It's a real disadvantage that shows up in the fourth quarter.
The Raiders are also one of the most featured teams in primetime. Regardless of their record, the "brand" sells. Expect plenty of Monday Night and Thursday Night appearances in the 2026 schedule because, love them or hate them, people watch the Silver and Black.
Actionable Steps for the Dedicated Fan
Don't just sit there. If you're gearing up for the game this Sunday or preparing for the long offseason, here is what you should actually do:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Raiders website and download the digital schedule. It'll auto-update with kickoff times so you never have to Google it again.
- Verify the Roster: Before kickoff, check the inactive list. It's usually released 90 minutes before the game. If Crosby or Adams are out, the betting lines move for a reason.
- Offseason Scouting: Once the clock hits zero this Sunday, your job as a fan shifts to the NFL Draft. The Raiders' draft position will be finalized based on this result. Start looking at the top offensive tackle and quarterback prospects.
The next game is more than just sixty minutes of football. It's the end of one chapter and the start of a very long, very loud conversation about the future of the franchise in Las Vegas.