The short answer? Nobody.
If you're waking up today, Friday, January 16, 2026, hoping to see the Silver and Black take the field, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. The Las Vegas Raiders are officially done for the year. After a grueling 17-game stretch that honestly felt like an emotional roller coaster without the safety bar, the team has transitioned into full-blown "offseason mode."
While other teams are prepping for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs this weekend—like the Denver Broncos hosting the Buffalo Bills—the Raiders are back at the drawing board in Henderson.
Who's the Raiders play today? Why there's no game on the schedule
The Raiders' 2025-2026 season wrapped up on January 4, 2026. They actually ended on a bit of a high note, beating the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12 at Allegiant Stadium. It was a gritty, ugly win, but a win nonetheless. However, that victory only brought their final record to 3-14.
When you finish at the bottom of the AFC West, you don't get invited to the postseason party.
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Right now, the team is busy with much more important things than a game plan. They just finished interviewing candidates like Jeff Hafley and are reportedly speaking with Rams coordinators today for their head coaching vacancy. The biggest story isn't who they play, but who will be leading them from the sidelines next September.
Breaking down the 2025 season finish
It's been a rough ride. If you followed the team this year, you saw a defense that struggled to find its identity, eventually finishing as the lowest-graded unit in the league according to PFF.
- Final Record: 3 wins, 14 losses.
- Divisional Record: 1-5 (That season finale against KC was the only division win).
- Last Game Played: January 4, 2026 (14-12 W vs. Chiefs).
There's also a lot of chatter about Maxx Crosby. He’s been the heart of this team, but rumors of a rift with the front office have surfaced after he was sat for the final two games despite feeling healthy. When your best player is frustrated, "who they play today" matters a lot less than "who stays on the roster tomorrow."
Looking ahead: The 2026 Raiders opponents
Even though there's no game today, we actually already know who the Raiders will face in the 2026 season. The NFL's scheduling formula is basically math, so the opponents are locked in even if the exact dates won't be out until May.
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Because the Raiders finished fourth in the AFC West, they’ll play a "fourth-place schedule." This means they'll match up against the other bottom-dwellers from the AFC North, AFC South, and NFC South.
Home Games at Allegiant Stadium:
- Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers (The usual suspects).
- Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.
- Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
- Tennessee Titans.
Away Games on the Road:
- Denver, KC, and LA Chargers.
- Arizona Cardinals.
- Cleveland Browns.
- New England Patriots.
- New Orleans Saints.
- New York Jets.
- San Francisco 49ers.
That trip to San Francisco is already circled on a lot of calendars. It's close enough for the Raiders faithful to travel in droves, and the atmosphere at Levi's Stadium is always intense for that matchup.
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The Brock Bowers situation
One reason you might have seen the Raiders' name in the news today is regarding the Pro Bowl. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers was a massive bright spot in a dark season, earning a Pro Bowl nod.
Unfortunately, he’s reportedly unable to participate due to injury. Today, January 16, news broke that Colts tight end Tyler Warren will be taking his spot. It’s a bummer for fans who wanted to see Bowers represent the Silver and Black one last time this month.
What should Raiders fans watch today instead?
Since there’s no Raiders game today, you might be looking for a football fix. The NFL playoffs are currently in the Divisional Round window.
The real action starts tomorrow, Saturday, January 17. If you want to scout the competition, keep an eye on the Denver Broncos. They secured a first-round bye and will be playing at home against the Bills. Seeing a division rival in the hunt while the Raiders are at home is never fun, but it gives you a good look at the mountain the team has to climb next year.
Actionable steps for the offseason
While the players are on vacation, the front office is working overtime. Here is how you can stay updated during the quiet months:
- Track the Coaching Search: The Raiders are currently in the middle of a wide-ranging search. Follow local beat writers for updates on interviews with guys like Joe Brady or Klay Kubiak.
- Monitor the Draft Order: With a 3-14 record, the Raiders have a very high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts are already starting to project top quarterbacks or offensive line help for Vegas.
- Wait for the Schedule Release: The official 2026 schedule with dates and times usually drops in mid-May. That’s when you can actually plan your trips to Allegiant Stadium.
The "who's the raiders play today" question won't have a fun answer until the preseason kicks off in August. Until then, it's all about the draft, free agency, and hoping the new coach can turn this ship around.