The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 campaign under new head coach Pete Carroll, who takes charge as the team aims to end its postseason drought. Key roster additions like quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty bolster their lineup as the Raiders seek their first playoff appearance since 2021, despite current odds placing them as strong underdogs.
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Raiders at +12000 odds to win Super Bowl 60, with a projected regular season win total of 6.5. Additionally, the team is heavily favored at -425 to miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season, reflecting the skepticism surrounding their immediate prospects. However, some believe 2025 could mark a turnaround season for Las Vegas.
Brock Bowers Positioned to Challenge NFL Tight End Receiving Record
Among the more ambitious predictions for the Raiders’ 2025 season is that Brock Bowers will surpass the single-season receiving yardage record for tight ends, set at 1,417 yards. Bowers delivered an exceptional rookie year in 2024, hauling in 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. As the undisputed leading target in the Raiders’ passing game, Bowers is seen by experts as a legitimate candidate to break this milestone.
The arrival of Geno Smith as quarterback adds optimism to Bowers’ prospects, representing an upgrade in leadership and passing ability over predecessors Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. The current betting odds for Bowers to exceed this receiving record stand at +1300 via DraftKings Sportsbook, making this a popular longshot wager among <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL enthusiasts.
“Bowers was outstanding as a rookie in 2024, catching 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns. The former Georgia standout is arguably the top tight end in the NFL already, and he is the unquestioned No. 1 option in the Raiders’ passing attack. Geno Smith is an upgrade over Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew, and this is a number that I believe is legitimately in reach for Bowers.” —Jimmie Kaylor, SportsLine expert handicapper
Ashton Jeanty Expected to Excel in His Rookie Running Back Role
Running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders’ first-round draft pick from Boise State, is poised to be a key contributor in 2025. Projected to manage a high volume of carries, Jeanty is eyed to surpass 1,050.5 rushing yards based on his three-down back potential and the run-heavy philosophy that Pete Carroll typically employs.
Jeanty’s health will be a critical factor, but his skill set aligns well with the Raiders’ offensive scheme under Chip Kelly. Betting on Jeanty to clear 1,050.5 yards carries odds of around -110 on BetMGM, indicating a strong belief in his rookie campaign impact.
Furthermore, Jeanty is also seen as a legitimate contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, with current odds at +275 on DraftKings. His anticipated role as the Raiders’ featured back from the first week mirrors expectations for a standout rookie season.
“The Raiders selected Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in the 2025 Draft, and the former Boise State star is expected to be the team’s featured back starting in Week 1. Jeanty has the skillset of a true three-down running back, and the potential is there for him to have a massive rookie season in Chip Kelly’s offensive system.” —Jimmie Kaylor, SportsLine expert handicapper
Raiders’ Season Win Total and Defensive Expectations
The Raiders’ regular season win total forecasts are largely cautious, with most predictions settling between 6.5 and 7.5. For 2025, a finish with six wins seems the most likely outcome, though seven wins would represent a marked improvement. Fans and bettors can currently wager on the Raiders winning fewer than 7.5 games, with this prop priced at around -150 on FanDuel.
Defensively, Maxx Crosby stands out as a critical impact player with a track record of high sack totals. Entering 2025 healthy, Crosby aims to record at least 12 sacks in the regular season, a feat he has achieved twice before. He finished 2024 with 7.5 sacks in just 12 games after signing a landmark contract as the highest-paid non-quarterback at the time. His sack prop is currently priced at -105 on DraftKings.
“Crosby is one of the premier defensive players in the NFL today. The former fourth round pick landed a contract extension this offseason that, at the time, made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Crosby has hit 12 or more sacks in twice in his six-year NFL career, and is coming off 7.5 sacks in 12 games in 2024. Crosby is entering the season healthy, and I expect him to have one of the best seasons of his career in 2025.” —Jimmie Kaylor, SportsLine expert handicapper
Betting Trends and Futures Insights for Raiders Supporters
The varied projections on the Raiders’ 2025 potential have created a wide array of betting opportunities, from longshots to more conservative plays. SportsLine expert Jimmie Kaylor highlights five key bets he endorses for the Raiders’ season, reflecting the blend of hope and skepticism surrounding the team’s trajectory.
While the team faces skepticism in its quest to end a postseason drought, individual performances from stars like Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Maxx Crosby could be defining factors in the Raiders’ resurgence. Bettors and fans alike should keep an eye on these players as they shape Las Vegas’ chances in the coming months.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Raiders’ potential for breakthroughs, especially regarding Brock Bowers NFL receiving record aspirations, will be a storyline attracting intense attention. The convergence of coaching change, new talent, and high stakes makes Las Vegas a compelling team to watch and bet on in the upcoming year.