Raiders Odds & Season Preview for 2024-25: Adams All-Important Piece to Puzzle

The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2024-25 NFL season with plenty of questions, particularly at the quarterback position. However, one thing is clear: for the Raiders to compete in the highly competitive AFC, they will need wide receiver Davante Adams at his absolute best.

Raiders 2024-25 Season Overview

After taking over as head coach midway through last season, Antonio Pierce energized the Raiders, leading them to a 5-4 finish and an impressive 7-1-1 record against the spread (ATS) in their final nine games.

Pierce’s success earned him the full-time position, and he will look to continue exceeding expectations, though the oddsmakers aren’t optimistic. The Raiders are underdogs in 15 of their 17 regular season games and have a win total set at 6.5 (Over -130).

Key Raiders Odds at BetOnline

Market	Odds
Win Super Bowl	+10,000
Win Conference	+6,000
Win Division	+900
Make Playoffs	+300
Over 6.5 Wins	-130
Under 6.5 Wins	+110

Challenges Ahead

While Pierce’s leadership sparked a late-season surge in 2023, it’s worth noting that the Raiders’ victories came largely against struggling teams, with their standout win being an upset over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. The team’s prospects for 2024 hinge heavily on quarterback play, which is a significant area of concern.

The Raiders face one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, both in terms of 2023 win percentages and 2024 win projections. They’ll face elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence, making their path to the playoffs daunting.

Las Vegas Raiders at a Glance: Everything but QB

The Raiders’ roster is solid, with standout players on both sides of the ball, especially in the trenches. However, the quarterback situation remains a significant weakness. Aiden O’Connell showed promise as a rookie but is now learning a new system under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Gardner Minshew, while a capable backup, is not an ideal long-term starter. The uncertainty at quarterback could derail the Raiders’ season.

What Will Win Bets: Defense

Pierce’s success in 2023 was driven by a strong defensive unit that ranked No. 2 in EPA allowed per play from Week 9 to Week 18.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, known for a more conservative approach, will benefit from the addition of Christian Wilkins to the pass rush alongside Maxx Crosby. The Raiders will need their defense to keep games close, as their offense isn’t built to engage in high-scoring shootouts.

What Will Lose Bets: Quarterback

The receiving corps, led by Davante Adams, is a strength, but the quarterback play will be a critical factor. If Adams is forced to catch poorly thrown balls, the Raiders’ offense could struggle.

The quarterback competition remains unresolved as the season approaches, with O’Connell and Minshew both vying for the starting role. While O’Connell showed potential last season, Minshew’s inconsistency makes him a high-risk option. The uncertainty at quarterback is a major red flag for bettors.

Las Vegas Raiders Schedule + Spot Bet: Sinful Schedule

The Raiders’ schedule is one of the toughest in the league, ranking in the top 10 for both 2023 win percentage and 2024 win projections.

The team will face significant tests early on, and by the time their Week 10 bye arrives, it should be clear whether they can contend in the AFC.

The Raiders are favored in only two games all season, against the Carolina Panthers (-4) and Denver Broncos (-3). With nine games where they’re underdogs by three points or less, there will be plenty of close contests. Last season, Las Vegas finished 5-5 in one-score games but covered the spread in 10 of those 12 matchups.

Key Stretch

The home stretch could provide the Raiders with an opportunity to finish strong. Three of their last four games are at Allegiant Stadium, with close spreads in each contest.

They’ll face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football in Week 15 (+1), host the Jacksonville Jaguars (+1), visit the New Orleans Saints (+2.5), and close out the season at home against the Los Angeles Chargers (+1).