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The Las Vegas Raiders finished the 2020 NFL season with a record of 8-8 and in second place in the AFC West. For their efforts, the Raiders will have the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, making it five first-round picks in the last two drafts. The Raiders had a chance to make the playoffs this season. But they had a tumultuous second half, which included a game-winning touchdown over the New York Jets and blowout 43-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
The Raiders will likely bring back the same cast of players on offense in 2021, but will need to revamp the defense. Las Vegas struggled against the run and pass, allowing 125.8 and 263.3 yards per game. This led to the Raiders firing defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and now looking to find his replacement. However, that is just one part of the solution as they need additional help at cornerback and within the front seven.
2021 opponents
The Raiders will face their NFC West divisional opponents six times, half at home and half on the road. In addition, they draw matchups against all for teams from the AFC North and NFC East. The NFL is expected to add a 17th game to the regular season schedule that will feature an inter-conference matchup with a similarly placed team. The Raiders would face the NFC North.
Home: Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Football Team, Miami Dolphins
Away: Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts
17th game: Chicago Bears