The Las Vegas Raiders headed into the 2026 season with low expectations, as this was supposed to be year one of a rebuild. Then, the Raiders started 3-0, and it felt like expectations were changing.
However, Las Vegas has gotten into the meat of its schedule, and the results haven’t been pretty. The Week 6 33-30 defeat to the Buffalo Bills marks the Silver and Black’s third consecutive loss, with each opponent firmly being in the AFC playoff picture. Granted, outside of an embarrassing showing against the New England Patriots a week ago, the Raiders only lost to the Kansas City Chiefs and Bills by three points each.
So, there’s reason to believe Las Vegas is headed in the right direction and close to being in the postseason mix. This was a team that held the No. 1 pick in last April’s draft and was hardly competitive against high-quality opponents a year ago, meaning they’re taking steps in the right direction. However, not being able to finish the job and get over the hump over the last three weeks has become frustrating given how the first three weeks went.
In a way, that sums up how the internet is reacting to the Raiders’ outing against the Bills.
Hear it from the head man himself: Klint Kubiak.
“Very disappointed we didn’t get it done today.”
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) October 18, 2026
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak on a 33-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
🎥: By @Sean_Zittelpic.twitter.com/iOlJuzh7wD
Klint Kubiak with a pretty poignant message about what the Raiders need to improve after this three game losing stretch:
— Sam Warren (@samwarren83) October 18, 2026
“Close. Games. Out.”
The @Raiders have lost to the @Chiefs and @BuffaloBills, the two AFC SB favorites, by a combined six points over the last three games.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) October 18, 2026
They're closing the gap. But still have a ways to go.
Much better fight from the Raiders today. We went toe to toe with a great Buffalo team but the difference was execution in critical situations. Gotta finish drives and win the line of scrimmage.
— Richie Incognito (@68INCOGNITO) October 18, 2026
It was in a losing effort, but I still am very impressed by what the Raiders look like through 6 weeks. Kubiak and DC Rob Leonard have done a really good job maximizing this roster and getting the absolute most out of their impact players.
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) October 18, 2026
In the past, I’d be miserable during a Raiders losing streak. But not now. What we’re seeing on film outweighs the final score. Competitive in 5 of 6 games to start a rebuild. It’s a fact — the gap between the AFC’s best and the silver & black is shrinking.
— Keith Ricci (@KeithRicci) October 18, 2026
One of the minor details that the Raiders need to fix is figuring out the QB sneak situation, especially with Tyler Linderbaum’s penalties.
#Raiders HC Klint Kubiak on Tyler Linderbaum's false start penalty on the fullback sneak attempt: "It's happened three times, and it's killing us. Absolutely killing us. And I have not fixed it, so shame on me. It's on me to get it fixed."
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) October 19, 2026
Tyler Linderbaum on being penalized multiple times now on the Connor Heyward sneak:
— Sam Warren (@samwarren83) October 19, 2026
"I gotta figure it out. Unacceptable to put our team in that position. So just gotta be better with that. And that's a critical moment in the game, a big swing, so we gotta improve on that."
Kirk Cousins played a good game (23/41, 313 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT), but if the losing streak continues, is it Fernando Mendoza time?
His outward restraint is remarkable considering his competitive nature. pic.twitter.com/CPDwXo2a7S
— AFL Godfather 👓🏴☠️🔥 (@NFLMAVERICK) October 19, 2026
A few thoughts from our community chat (click the links/quotes below to join the conversation):
- Honestly, I really like the play of Captain Kirk, but the interception resulting in a quick TD was tough to over come. we played well but are not good enough to overcome turn overs etc. we need points with possessions as often as possible. we are getting better. Kirk is doing amazing but that was a tough mistake. — Go_Vegas
- 108 points given up by the defense. 3 games. 3 losses. — KilluminatiRaider
- This time last year, we were 2-4 and went on to totally wet the bed. Six games into 2025 Raiders had 14.8 average pts per game. This year its 27 pts per game. The last three games we lost to top tier teams. I believe the ship is orientated correctly. Just need the horsepower. — Legacy Raider
- Robbie Leonard, I’m afraid – is in way over his head. How are RB’s in the flat open without a defender within 15 yards – multiple times? — SringsRaider
- Raider Radio saying the team have a problem in quarter 3. A pattern in all the Raider games. — pc78
- Is anyone feeling like Jeanty could be a bust. — Vaneeghan
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