AFC West Slip Raises Future Questions for the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders’ late-season collapse has culminated in a steep slip in the AFC West standings, dropping them to last place in the division with a 7-9 record—their third consecutive season finishing below .500 and outside the playoff picture. AFC West Slip Raises Future Questions for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how this downward trajectory has exposed deeper issues within the franchise, from roster construction gaps to competitive disparities with division rivals, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the team’s current rebuild is on track. For a franchise that once prided itself on competing for division titles, this slide isn’t just a one-season setback—it’s a critical juncture that demands a reassessment of the team’s future direction.

AFC West Slip Raises Future Questions for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the stark reality of the Raiders’ division struggles: they finished the season with just one win against AFC West opponents (a Week 6 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs), marking their worst divisional performance since 2018. Meanwhile, rivals like the Chiefs (12-4) and Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) secured playoff berths, and even the Denver Broncos (8-8) finished above the Raiders, highlighting a growing competitive gap. This disparity is particularly concerning because the AFC West is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s strongest divisions, with teams investing heavily in elite talent and coaching. “We’re not keeping up with the pace of the AFC West right now,” said a league source close to the Raiders’ front office. “The Chiefs have a dynasty-level core, the Chargers have a young franchise quarterback, and the Broncos are rebuilding with purpose. The Raiders need to figure out how to close that gap quickly, or they’ll be stuck in last place for years.”

AFC West Slip Raises Future Questions for the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the root cause of the slip: the Raiders’ inability to build a consistent, competitive core around their star players. While wide receiver Davante Adams and defensive end Maxx Crosby have remained elite (Adams with 1,200+ receiving yards, Crosby with 15 sacks), the team has failed to surround them with reliable supporting talent. The offensive line, for example, allowed 48 sacks this season—ranking 26th in the NFL—leaving quarterback Aidan O’Connell under constant pressure. The secondary, meanwhile, ranked 29th in passing yards allowed, with rookies and depth players forced into key roles due to injuries. This lack of depth has been exposed by the AFC West’s high-powered offenses, which exploited the Raiders’ weaknesses week after week. “You can’t win in this division with two stars and a roster full of question marks,” said former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi. “The Chiefs and Chargers have depth at every position, which lets them weather injuries and stay consistent. The Raiders don’t have that, and it’s killing them.”

AFC West Slip Raises Future Questions for the Las Vegas Raiders examines how the slip has cast doubt on the team’s rebuild timeline. When general manager Tom Telesco took over in 2023, he outlined a three-year plan to return the Raiders to contention, emphasizing draft-and-develop and targeted free-agent signings. Two years into that plan, however, the team has shown little progress, with key draft picks like 2024 first-round edge rusher Tyree Wilson (8 sacks, but inconsistent run defense) and 2023 second-round quarterback O’Connell (21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions) showing promise but not yet delivering consistent results. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this raises a critical question: is the current rebuild timeline realistic, or does the front office need to pivot to a more aggressive approach—like trading draft capital for proven talent—to compete in the AFC West? “The three-year plan only works if you hit on your draft picks and fill gaps efficiently,” said NFL analyst Bucky Brooks. “The Raiders haven’t hit enough, and now they’re stuck. They either need to be more patient, which fans won’t tolerate, or take bigger risks to accelerate the process.”

AFC West Slip Raises Future Questions for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the uncertainty surrounding key personnel decisions this offseason. Head coach Antonio Pierce, who took over midseason in 2023 and was given a two-year extension, now faces pressure to show progress after a disappointing finish. The front office also needs to decide the futures of pending free agents like running back Josh Jacobs (who rushed for 950 yards but missed six games with injuries) and offensive lineman Greg Van Roten, as well as whether to extend O’Connell’s contract beyond his rookie deal. These decisions will shape the roster for years to come, and a misstep could further delay the Raiders’ return to competitiveness. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the stakes couldn’t be higher: retaining the wrong players or letting key talent walk could widen the gap with AFC West rivals even further. “Every decision this offseason is a make-or-break one,” said Raiders beat writer Vincent Bonsignore. “Do they keep Jacobs, or do they invest in a younger running back? Do they extend O’Connell, or do they look for a quarterback upgrade? Those choices will determine if the Raiders start climbing back up the division or stay stuck in last place.”

AFC West Slip Raises Future Questions for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the broader implications for the franchise’s connection to its fanbase. Raiders Nation, one of the NFL’s most passionate fanbases, has grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s lack of success, with season-ticket renewal rates dropping by 12% this year and attendance at Allegiant Stadium falling to its lowest level since the team moved to Las Vegas in 2020. This disengagement is a warning sign for the front office, as fan support is critical for generating revenue and building a winning culture. “The fans have stuck with this team through a lot, but patience is running thin,” said a Raiders team official. “We need to give them a reason to believe again—whether that’s through bold offseason moves, visible progress from young players, or a clear vision for the future.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the AFC West slip isn’t just a standings issue—it’s a test of whether the franchise can rebuild trust with its fans while closing the gap with division rivals. As the offseason begins, all eyes will be on Telesco and Pierce to answer the tough questions and chart a path back to AFC West relevance.