When the 2020 NFL schedule came out, wins and losses were already being penciled in despite the games being five months away.
The Raiders were given no favors during their inaugural Las Vegas season. The New Orleans Saints visit in Week 2 for the Allegiant Stadium opener and four of the Silver and Black's first six games are against likely playoff-bound opponents. In order to make the playoffs, it is imperative for the Raiders to tread water in the early going before the easier part of their schedule kicks in around mid-November.
Staying afloat early on got a little more difficult Sunday when the New England Patriots reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with Cam Newton, who is expected to come in and compete for the starting quarterback position along with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer.