Raiders Opened 2026 Season With Two Wins
Despite an August practice altercation, the team started strong behind Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football
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The Las Vegas Raiders have started their 2026 campaign with two consecutive victories following an offseason defined by player recovery and team discipline. The momentum follows a challenging August that saw key stars suspended for one day due to an on-field scuffle.
Why it matters
The team's performance marks a significant early-season rebound for a roster looking to return to postseason contention for the first time since 2021. Players have moved past internal disagreements to focus on building a winning record in the competitive AFC West.
Kirk Cousins has logged 413 passing yards and six touchdowns on a 67.8% completion rate, while Maxx Crosby has contributed 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits. These figures reflect early production following Crosby's recovery from 2026 knee surgery.
The players
Kirk Cousins
The Raiders quarterback who has recorded 413 passing yards and six touchdowns to start the season.
Maxx Crosby
The Raiders defensive standout who recorded 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits while returning from knee surgery.
The details
The team’s start comes after a volatile August where both players were suspended for a single day following a physical practice fight. The pair resolved the issue by shaking hands the following day, turning their focus toward team goals. Crosby also recently opened up about his first NFL purchase, a diamond Rolex, expressing buyer's remorse, while Cousins noted his first purchase was a used Honda CRV.
Timeline
2021: The Raiders last reached the NFL playoffs.
2026 Offseason: Maxx Crosby underwent knee surgery.
August 2026: Cousins and Crosby were suspended after a team practice fight.
September 2026: The Raiders started the season with two consecutive wins.
Beyond the Strip
The Raiders are currently tracking against the franchise's last postseason appearance during the 2021 season. This early-season momentum marks a critical attempt to return the organization to that same level of competitive success.
Fans should monitor the upcoming schedule for home game ticket availability and traffic changes around the stadium. The team's health and personnel status will remain a focus as the season progresses past these first two wins.
The takeaway
The team's early success serves as a test of their ability to maintain focus after offseason recoveries and internal conflict. Residents should watch the performance of the defensive line as the season continues to see if the early sack count holds.
Further reading
For more updates on the season, check our coverage of Las Vegas Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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