You probably think of the Seattle Seahawks and Raiders as distant cousins who only see each other every few years for a forced holiday dinner. One plays in the Pacific Northwest drizzle, the other under the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip. But if you grew up watching football in the ‘80s or ‘90s, you know that’s not the whole story. These two used to be absolute blood rivals.
Before the NFL shuffled the deck in 2002, Seattle and the then-Oakland/LA Raiders were staples of the AFC West. We’re talking about two games a year, every year, filled with mud, bad blood, and some of the most iconic (and weird) moments in league history. Honestly, it’s one of those "if you know, you know" situations. Even now, whenever the Seattle Seahawks and Raiders pop up on the schedule, there’s this weird residual energy that fans in both cities can still feel.
The Bo Jackson Siding and the "Loz" Legend
If you want to understand why this matchup still has teeth, you have to talk about 1987. It was Monday Night Football. The hype was unreal. Brian Bosworth, the "Boz," was the loudmouthed, blonde-mohawk rookie linebacker for Seattle who everyone loved to hate. Bo Jackson was... well, Bo Jackson.
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What happened that night is basically burned into the retina of every Seahawks fan over the age of 45. Bo Jackson didn’t just beat Bosworth; he physically ran over him. Like, literally through his chest on the way to the end zone. Then he capped it off with a 91-yard touchdown sprint where he didn't stop at the goal line—he just kept running right into the tunnel at the Kingdome.
It was a total "welcome to the NFL" moment for Seattle and a "we own you" moment for the Raiders. That single game cemented a decade of animosity.
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
While the Raiders have that Bo Jackson highlight reel forever, the all-time series is surprisingly tight. As we sit here in early 2026, the Raiders lead the series 34-26. That might seem like a gap, but when you look at how the games actually played out, they were almost always grinds.
- 1983 AFC Championship: The Raiders dominated 30-14, eventually winning the Super Bowl.
- 1984 Wild Card: Seattle got their revenge, winning 13-7 in a defensive slugfest.
- 1986 Shutout: The Seahawks handed the Raiders one of their most embarrassing losses, a 37-0 blowout in Seattle.
Where Are We Now? The 2025-2026 Reality
Fast forward to the present day. The landscape has shifted massively. The Raiders are now firmly established in Las Vegas, and the Seahawks are in the post-Pete Carroll era with Mike Macdonald at the helm. It’s a different vibe, for sure.
Interestingly, the teams recently crossed paths in a way that had everyone doing a double-take. In August 2025, the Seahawks and Raiders met in a preseason opener that ended in a rare 23-23 tie. Ties in preseason are weird, right? But the real story was the homecoming of Pete Carroll.
Wait, what?
Yeah, in a twist that felt like a movie script, Pete Carroll returned to Lumen Field—not as the Seahawks' coach, but as part of the Raiders' staff. Seeing the man who built the "Legion of Boom" getting a standing ovation in Seattle while wearing Silver and Black was surreal. Honestly, it kinda felt like seeing your dad with his new family at a backyard BBQ. It was awkward but respectful.
Roster Shuffles and Quarterback Chaos
Both teams have spent the last year playing musical chairs with their rosters. Seattle made a massive splash by signing Sam Darnold to a 3-year, $100 million deal to be their guy after trading Geno Smith... to the Raiders. You can’t make this stuff up.
So now, when you look at the Seattle Seahawks and Raiders, you’re seeing a Seattle team led by Darnold and Cooper Kupp (who they snagged from the Rams) going up against a Raiders squad that has Geno Smith and former Seahawk legend Tyler Lockett. It’s like a Northwest reunion in the desert.
The Raiders are leaning heavily on Geno Smith to stabilize a room that’s struggled since the Derek Carr era ended. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are trying to rebuild their defensive identity around young stars like Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori.
Why This Game Still Moves the Needle
Even though they aren't in the same division anymore, this matchup is always a "calendar game" for NFL nerds. There's a stylistic clash that refuses to go away. Seattle usually prides itself on being "loud and fast," while the Raiders—no matter where they play—keep that "Commitment to Excellence" (and occasionally chaos) mantra alive.
People forget how much these teams swap players. It’s not just Geno and Lockett. Remember Jamal Adams? He’s a Raider now. Bruce Irvin? He bounced between them like a ping-pong ball. There’s a pipeline between these two organizations that keeps the connection alive.
What to Watch for Next
If you're a bettor or just a casual fan trying to figure out who has the edge moving forward, keep your eyes on the trenches. The Raiders' defensive front, led by the perennial headache that is Maxx Crosby, is always the X-factor. If Seattle’s offensive line (which has been a revolving door of injuries and "maybe this guy will work") can't protect Darnold, it doesn't matter how many Cooper Kupp jerseys are in the stands.
On the flip side, the Raiders are facing some serious contract questions. Cornerback Eric Stokes and guard Dylan Parham are entering a weird offseason. If Vegas loses that talent, their 3-14 record from last season might not be a fluke—it might be the new floor.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Trade Wire: These two teams love each other's "trash." If a veteran gets cut in Seattle, there is a 50% chance they end up in Vegas by Tuesday.
- Respect the History: If you’re at a game, don't mention "The Boz" to a Raiders fan unless you want a long lecture about Bo Jackson’s 221-yard night.
- Draft Day Strategy: Seattle is currently prioritizing secondary help and O-line depth. If they keep hitting on guys like Grey Zabel, the "retool" is going to happen faster than people think.
The rivalry might be dormant in the standings, but the Seattle Seahawks and Raiders will always have that shared history of AFC West warfare. It’s a matchup built on big hits, legendary jerseys, and a level of mutual respect that only comes from decades of trying to knock each other's heads off.
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To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the Raiders' free agency decisions this March. Their ability to retain foundational pieces like Dylan Parham will dictate whether they can provide Geno Smith with the protection he needs to succeed in his new home. For Seattle, the focus remains on the development of Jalen Milroe as the potential quarterback of the future behind Sam Darnold.