Raiders At The Midway Point

We’re basically halfway into the 2025 NFL season (this 17-game thing messes with the math), so let’s take a quick review of the 4-4 Raiders and where they stand with nine games of the season remaining. Let’s review the past quarter of the season:

Quick summary of the second quarter:

It was rough sledding for the Silver and Black after they started the season 3-0. After beating bad teams, the Raiders lost four straight games to solid teams. They salvaged their season with a comeback win at the lowly New York Jets in Week 8.

Offensive MVP:

Tight end Brock Bowers. He’s a superstar. He can’t be stopped as a tight end or a wide receiver. He had 25 receptions for 345 yards and three touchdowns in the past quarter. He is the Raiders’ best player.

Defensive MVP:

Linebacker Nakobe Dean just like the first quarter. The free-agent is flourishing in the middle of the Raiders’ defense. He has been described as the “glue” of the unit. The defense has had major issues, but Dean is a player.

Rookie of the quarter:

The Raiders’ rookie class, as a whole, hasn’t done much, but second-year pick Treydan Stukes has been a steady starter at safety. He gives up plays, but he also makes plays. He’ a solid player.

Best surprise:

Quarterback Kirk Cousins just keeps plugging along and putting up top-of-the-league stats at the age 38 in a season he was supposed to be a game manager and placeholder to Fernando Mendoza.

Worst surprise:

2025 No. 6 overall pick, running back Ashton Jeanty may have just become a backup running back.

Bold prediction for next quarter:

The Raiders play at the San Francisco 49ers, host the Seattle Seahawks, play at the Denver Broncos and at the Cleveland Browns. They all have, at least, a 4-4 record. The Raiders will find a way to go 2-2 to be 6-6 to start the stretch run and still be in the playoff hunt.