The Silver and Black. Allegiant Stadium. The drum beat of the Raider Nation. If you're asking what time the raiders game kicks off, you're usually either trying to plan a tailgate that doesn't leave you hungover by the second quarter or you’re desperately scrolling through your phone while your buddies are already cracking open their first beverage.
Honestly, it’s kinda chaotic trying to keep track of NFL schedules these days. Between flex scheduling, international games, and the league’s obsession with moving things around for TV ratings, the "standard" Sunday start time is basically a myth.
Right now, we are sitting in that weird mid-January lull. The Raiders just wrapped up their 2025-2026 regular season with a gritty 14-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on January 4. It was a high note in a season that, frankly, had more downs than ups. Since the Raiders didn't make the postseason cut this year—finishing with a 3-14 record—there isn't a game on the calendar for this upcoming weekend.
What Time the Raiders Game Kicks Off Next Season
Since the 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror for Las Vegas, everyone is looking toward the fall of 2026. You’ve probably seen the "Schedule TBD" tags all over the internet. That’s because the NFL usually waits until May to drop the full calendar with specific times.
But we aren't totally in the dark. We already know who they are playing because of the way the NFL rotation works.
The Raiders are locked in to face the AFC East and the NFC West in 2026. This means big matchups against teams like the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and the San Francisco 49ers. Because they finished at the bottom of the AFC West, they also get the "fourth-place" schedule. That involves dates with the Tennessee Titans, the New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns.
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When those games do start, you can generally bet on three specific time slots for the Raiders.
- The 1:05 PM PT / 4:05 PM ET Slot: This is the bread and butter for West Coast home games. If the Raiders are playing at Allegiant Stadium, this is the most likely time you'll be heading through the gates.
- The 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET Slot: These are the "coffee and football" games. When the Raiders travel to places like New York or New England, get ready for an early start.
- The Primetime Slot (5:15 PM PT): If they land a Monday Night or Thursday Night game, expect a late afternoon kickoff in Vegas.
Why Kickoff Times Keep Changing
Have you ever noticed how a game is listed for 1:00 PM and then suddenly it’s at 4:25 PM? That’s the "Flex" rule.
The NFL and networks like CBS and FOX have a deal where they can swap games starting around Week 5. They want the best matchups in the late afternoon window to maximize viewers. If the Raiders are suddenly a playoff contender mid-season, their game time will likely get pushed later. If they're struggling, they might get buried in the early morning window.
It’s a bit of a headache for fans who travel. Imagine booking a flight for a Sunday night return only to have the game moved to the late window. It happens.
Where to Watch the Game
Streaming has made finding the game a bit of a scavenger hunt. It’s not just "turn to Channel 8" anymore.
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For local fans in the Las Vegas market, FOX5 (KVVU) and CBS (KLAS) are your primary homes. If you’re out of market, you’re basically stuck with NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. It's expensive, but it’s the only way to ensure you don’t miss a snap.
- Local TV: CBS, FOX, and occasionally NBC for Sunday Night Football.
- Streaming: Paramount+ (for CBS games) and the NFL+ app for mobile viewing.
- Primetime: Amazon Prime Video owns Thursday nights, so don't go looking for those on cable.
Navigating Allegiant Stadium Times
If you’re actually going to the game, what time the raiders game starts is only half the battle. You have to account for the "Vegas Factor."
Traffic around the Strip on gameday is a nightmare. Period. If kickoff is at 1:05 PM, the parking lots usually open four hours prior. You want to be in your seat at least 30 minutes before kickoff if you want to see the torch lighting ceremony and the player intros—which, let's be honest, is half the reason to go.
The Raiders have confirmed they will have eight home games and nine road games in 2026. This extra road game is part of the 17-game season rotation.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
Don't get caught off guard when the season finally rolls around.
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First, mark your calendar for the second week of May. That is when the NFL will release the official dates and times. Until then, any "leaked" schedules you see on social media are almost certainly fake.
Second, if you're planning a trip to Vegas for a game, book a hotel that is within walking distance of Allegiant Stadium or at least near a Mandalay Bay shuttle point. You'll thank me later when you aren't paying $100 for a 2-mile Uber ride.
Finally, keep an eye on the "flex" window once we hit October. Check the schedule every Tuesday morning. That's usually when the league announces any time changes for the following week.
Stay ready. The 2026 season is going to be a massive rebuilding year for the Silver and Black, and knowing exactly when to tune in is the first step to surviving the ride.