Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Las Vegas Raiders
Everyone’s doing season previews — but we’re doing something different. The
Captains’ Code is all about what really makes or breaks an NFL team. It’s not just about rosters or vibes. It’s about the identity, the pressure points, the bold calls, and the one thing that could send everything crashing down… or finally take them over the top. No filler. Just straight-up football breakdowns that tell you what actually matters heading into 2025.
The X-Factor That Will Make or Break This Season
Geno Smith can only do so much without a strong supporting cast, and that’s where Jakobi Meyers comes in. With Brock Bowers already established as one of the league’s best tight ends, Meyers has a chance to be the consistent outside presence this passing game needs. If he can be that steady option, it could open things up for the entire offense.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders offense ranked among the lower tier in the league. They were 29th in points scored per game with 18.2, 13th in passing yards per game with 223.4, and last (32nd) in rushing yards per game with 79.8. Overall, the Raiders ranked 27th in total yards per game with 303.2. Defensively, they allowed 25.5 points per game (25th) and were 18th in total yards allowed per game with 333.12. They allowed 216.2 opponent passing yards per game and 116.88 opponent rushing yards per game (13th). The Raiders' defense recorded 38 sacks and 10 interceptions. Their turnover differential was a league-worst -16, attributed to losing 13 fumbles and throwing 16 interceptions while only forcing 13 turnovers. The Raiders offense also allowed 50 sacks.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Jakobi Meyers and Christian Wilkins.
Meyers has the chance to become Geno Smith’s go-to wideout on the perimeter, complementing Bowers’ work over the middle. On defense, Christian Wilkins’ health looms large. Still recovering from a Jones fracture, his availability for training camp is in question. He’s been limited to rehab work since OTAs, and the Raiders will need him fully healthy to anchor the defensive front.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2025 season with a completely new coaching staff under new Head Coach Pete Carroll, hired in February following the dismissal of Antonio Pierce. Carroll brought in Chip Kelly as Offensive Coordinator, while retaining Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham and Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon. Key additions include Chris Beatty (WRs), Greg Olson (QBs), Deland McCullough (RBs), Brennan Carroll (Run Game Coordinator/OL), Nate Carroll (Assistant QBs), and Andy Dickerson (Assistant OL)
The Bold Prediction
Ashton Jeanty sets the rookie rushing record.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
7-10.
This is a team on the right track but still a year or two away from real contention. The rebuild is moving in the right direction, and if they keep adding talent, the AFC West could become one of the most competitive divisions in football.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can this cornerback group hold its own against some of the most dangerous passing attacks in the league?
My Takeaway
The Raiders aren’t ready to win big just yet, but the foundation is taking shape. Give it another offseason of smart moves, and this division race could get really interesting.