Expert Predictions Lean Toward Victory for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for a high-stakes Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins—with a potential playoff berth on the line—a consensus has emerged among NFL experts: predictions are leaning firmly toward a Raiders victory. From national sports analysts to former NFL coaches and data-driven modelers, the majority of experts have highlighted the Raiders’ recent momentum, improved defensive play, and favorable matchup dynamics as key reasons to bet on Las Vegas. These predictions aren’t just casual guesses; they’re rooted in deep film study, statistical analysis, and an understanding of how the Raiders’ strengths align with the Dolphins’ weaknesses. Expert Predictions Lean Toward Victory for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the expert consensus, the specific factors driving their optimism, and how these forecasts are shaping the narrative around the Raiders’ playoff push.

One of the most influential voices backing the Raiders is ESPN’s senior NFL analyst Adam Schefter, who highlighted the team’s defensive resurgence in his weekly prediction column. “The Raiders’ defense has become a force since midseason, and that’s the difference-maker here,” Schefter wrote. “Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby have formed one of the league’s most fearsome edge-rushing duos, and their ability to pressure Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will disrupt Miami’s passing game. The Raiders have sacked opposing quarterbacks 12 times in their last three games—good for second in the NFL—and Tagovailoa has struggled under pressure this season, throwing 7 interceptions when hurried.” Schefter also noted the Raiders’ recent success in close games, pointing out their 4-1 record in one-score matchups since Week 10. “Las Vegas has learned how to win when it matters, and that mental toughness will carry them over the finish line against Miami,” he added. Schefter’s prediction carries weight not just for fans, but for oddsmakers, who shifted the Raiders from underdogs to 2.5-point favorites shortly after his column was published. Expert Predictions Lean Toward Victory for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that Schefter’s analysis, rooted in defensive dominance and clutch performance, reflects a broader expert view of the Raiders’ current form.

Former NFL head coach and current CBS Sports analyst Bill Cowher has also thrown his support behind the Raiders, focusing on the team’s offensive balance as a key reason for his prediction. “What stands out about the Raiders right now is their ability to win both with the run and the pass—something not many teams can do,” Cowher said during a segment on “The NFL Today.” “Josh Jacobs is having another All-Pro caliber season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and he’ll keep the Dolphins’ defense honest. Meanwhile, Jimmy Garoppolo has found his rhythm with Davante Adams—they’ve connected for 6 touchdowns in the last four games—and Miami’s secondary has struggled to contain top wide receivers this year.” Cowher, who won a Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers, also praised the Raiders’ offensive line improvements, noting that left tackle Kolton Miller’s return from injury has stabilized pass protection. “When you can run the ball effectively and protect your quarterback, you control the game’s tempo,” Cowher explained. “The Dolphins like to play fast, but the Raiders will slow them down and dictate the pace— that’s why I see Las Vegas winning this one.” Cowher’s prediction resonates with fans who value the perspective of someone who has coached in high-pressure playoff scenarios, as it adds a tactical depth to the optimism around the Raiders. Expert Predictions Lean Toward Victory for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that Cowher’s focus on offensive balance underscores a key expert belief: the Raiders have the tools to exploit Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Data-driven experts, including those at Pro Football Focus (PFF), have also released predictions leaning toward the Las Vegas Raiders, using advanced statistics to back their claims. PFF’s model, which incorporates metrics like player grade, expected points added (EPA), and matchup strength, gives the Raiders a 62% chance of winning—up from 54% just one week ago. “The Raiders’ EPA per play on defense has jumped from 22nd in the league to 8th since Week 12, a dramatic improvement that can’t be ignored,” said PFF senior analyst Sam Monson. “Their pass rush grade (87.3) over that stretch is the best in the AFC, and the Dolphins’ offensive line has a pass-block grade of just 64.5—one of the lowest in the league. That’s a mismatch the Raiders will exploit.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ special teams also get a boost from PFF’s analysis, with kicker Daniel Carlson’s 94.1% field goal accuracy ranking first among kickers with 30+ attempts. “In a game that could come down to a final field goal, having a reliable kicker like Carlson gives the Raiders a significant edge,” Monson added. Data-driven predictions are particularly valuable for fans who prioritize objectivity, as they remove subjective bias and focus on measurable performance trends. Expert Predictions Lean Toward Victory for the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ strong advanced metrics have turned data-focused experts into believers, adding credibility to the team’s playoff aspirations.

Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez has offered a unique perspective on the matchup, focusing on the psychological edge the Las Vegas Raiders hold. “The Raiders have everything to play for— a playoff spot—while the Dolphins are already eliminated,” Sanchez said during a podcast appearance. “That sense of urgency changes how a team practices, how they prepare, and how they play in the fourth quarter. I’ve been in those situations, and I can tell you: when you know every play matters, you bring a different intensity.” Sanchez also highlighted the Raiders’ recent home success, noting their 5-1 record at Allegiant Stadium since Week 8. “Allegiant Stadium is one of the loudest venues in the NFL, and the Dolphins haven’t played well on the road this season—they’re 2-5 away from home,” he explained. “The crowd will rattle Tagovailoa, especially in critical moments, and the Raiders will feed off that energy.” Sanchez’s prediction adds a human element to the expert consensus, emphasizing that intangibles like motivation and home-field advantage can be just as important as talent. The Las Vegas Raiders’ players have also echoed this sentiment, with Josh Jacobs saying, “We know what’s at stake, and we’re not going to let this opportunity slip away.” Expert Predictions Lean Toward Victory for the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ motivation and home-field edge have become key talking points among experts, who see these factors as tipping points in a close matchup.

Local Las Vegas experts, who have followed the team closely all season, have also joined the chorus of predictions favoring the Las Vegas Raiders. Vinny Bonsignore, the Raiders beat writer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, has covered the team for over a decade and says this year’s squad has a “different vibe” than recent iterations. “This Raiders team doesn’t fold under pressure—they’ve come back from fourth-quarter deficits three times this season, which shows a resilience we haven’t seen in years,” Bonsignore wrote in his weekly prediction. “The Dolphins have a talented offense, but they lack the Raiders’ defensive intensity right now. I expect Jones and Crosby to combine for at least three sacks, and Jacobs to rush for 100+ yards. This will be a close game, but the Raiders will find a way to win.” Local experts are particularly trusted by fans, as they have a deeper understanding of the team’s internal dynamics, locker room morale, and subtle improvements that national analysts might miss. The Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching staff has also acknowledged the local support, with head coach Josh McDaniels saying, “Our fans have been incredible, and we want to give them something to celebrate this weekend.” Expert Predictions Lean Toward Victory for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ broad support from experts—national, local, tactical, and data-driven—reflects a growing belief that the team is ready to seize its playoff opportunity. With momentum on their side, a favorable matchup, and the backing of the football world’s most respected voices, the Raiders head into Week 17 with not just hope, but a clear expectation of victory.