NFL 2026 Raiders-Dolphins Week 1 Preview And Picks

The Las Vegas Raiders kick off the 2026 season at home in Allegiant Stadium against the Miami Dolphins. Much more hope for the Silver and Black and Raider Nation in the Raiders-Dolphins Week 1 opener, as the Raiders have a new coaching staff, No. 1 overall franchise quarterback and better personnel after some strong free agent signings to join some of the solid players from recent NFL drafts.

I’ll include select picks with additional stats, insight, team news and information you can bet on during the season. Additional AFC West division profiles, teams schedules, odds, season wins and information you can bet on if provided as you follow the Raiders and watch and wager on the NFL again this season.

You can follow various sites for Raiders news beyond betting including Silver and Black Pride along Raiders.com with other sources including my friend and colleague JT The Brick, the Raiders pre and post game host, analyst and national/Las Vegas radio voice.

Another colleague I correspond with is Case Keefer of the Las Vegas Sun, who covers the Raiders and other Las Vegas sports teams. As a columnist and reporter, Case is also a sharp handicapper who provides weekly betting picks along with Raiders Game Day coverage including Raiders-Dolphins Week 1.

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders

Spread: Raiders (-3), Game total 40.5
Pick: Raiders
Opinion: Under

The Raiders-Dolphins Week 1 matchup features two new quarterbacks for both teams including veteran Kirk Cousins for the Raiders. Star TE Brock Bowers is out against the Dolphins after undergoing a meniscus trim, and he’s expected to mis at least 1-2 games. Last year’s No. 1 pick RB Ashton Jeanty is expected to play after missing most the preseason with an ankle sprain. Rookie RB Mike Washington was a preseason standout and is one to watch for more playing time behind a revamed and much improved offensive line with the signing of top free agent center Tyler Linderbaum. Star defensive lineman Maxx Crosby is still a Raider after the offseason trade to the Ravens fell through.

The Dolphins have one of the worst rosters in the NFL. While both teams will lean heavily on the running game, including the Dolphins with top RB De’Von Achane and running bro QB Malik Willis, I much prefer the Raiders and QB Cousins to make more plays and cause more mistakes by the Dolphins and their less talented changes and new coaching staff and schemes.

Read more about the Raiders-Dolphins matchups and more team coverage along with a prop pick and additional information you can bet on.

You can bet on it.