You’re waking up, checking the clock, and wondering what time do the Oakland Raiders play today because, honestly, Sunday (or in this case, a playoff Friday) just doesn't feel right without the Silver and Black. Whether you're a die-hard from the 510 or a new fan just trying to catch a game, the schedule can be a bit of a moving target.
Here is the quick, blunt truth: the Raiders are not playing today, January 16, 2026.
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The team's 2025-2026 season officially wrapped up on January 4, 2026, after a tough divisional loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. They finished with a 3-14 record, which means they didn't make the cut for this weekend's playoff action. If you see "Raiders" on a schedule today, you might be looking at local youth leagues or flag football events—like the Friday Night Lights games in Irvine or Lake Forest—but the NFL squad is officially in "wait until next year" mode.
Why the Oakland Raiders label still sticks
It’s been years since the team packed up the trucks and headed for the desert, but if you still find yourself searching for what time do the Oakland Raiders play today, you aren't alone. That "Oakland" tag is hard to shake.
The franchise officially became the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.
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Owner Mark Davis made the move after a decade of stadium drama in the Bay Area. The team played in Oakland from 1960 to 1981, moved to L.A., came back to Oakland in 1995, and then finally landed in Nevada. For many of us, the "Oakland" identity is just part of the soul of the team. It’s about the Black Hole and the fog rolling off the bay. But for scheduling purposes, they are a Vegas team now, and they play their home games under the dome at Allegiant Stadium.
The current state of the Silver and Black
Since they aren't taking the field today, what exactly is happening with the team?
The front office is currently in the middle of a massive overhaul. Just yesterday, on January 15, the team completed interviews with top coaching candidates like Jesse Minter and Ejiro Evero. After a 3-14 finish, the search for a new head coach is basically the only game in town.
Fans are looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Because of that dismal record, the Raiders have a high pick, and the rumors are already swirling about whether they’ll hunt for a franchise quarterback or shore up a defense that looked gassed by the fourth quarter of most games this year.
When will the 2026 schedule be out?
If you're trying to plan a trip or just clear your calendar for the next season, you’ve got a bit of a wait.
The NFL typically drops the full regular-season schedule in May. However, we already know who they're going to play. In 2026, the Raiders are slated to face:
- Home: Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Bills, Dolphins, Rams, Seahawks, and Titans.
- Away: Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Cardinals, Browns, Patriots, Saints, Jets, and 49ers.
That away game against the 49ers is going to be a "homecoming" of sorts for those still holding onto the Oakland roots, even if it’s across the bridge in Santa Clara.
Actionable steps for Raiders fans
Since there is no kickoff today, you can still stay plugged into the Raider Nation news cycle.
First, keep an eye on the Head Coach Tracker. The next 72 hours are critical for interviews, and a hiring announcement could drop any time. Second, check out the 2026 NFL Draft order. The Raiders are locked into a top-tier spot, which usually means a lot of mock draft speculation starts right about now.
Finally, if you're just looking for football to watch today, the NFL Divisional Round starts tomorrow, January 17. The Denver Broncos (one of our AFC West rivals) will be taking on the Buffalo Bills. It’s a good chance to scout the competition for next year while the Raiders work on getting back to winning form.
Log into the official Raiders app to get push notifications the second a new coach is signed. That’s the most important "game" being played this week.