In a hard-fought battle to kick off the 2026 season, the Las Vegas Raiders narrowly defeated the Miami Dolphins by a score of 23-16. Both teams aimed to make a strong statement in Week 1, but it was the Raiders who ultimately emerged victorious in front of their home crowd. Fernando Mendoza led the charge for Las Vegas with an efficient performance, throwing for 184 yards. Ashton Jeanty was a force on the ground, racking up 111 rushing yards and contributing significantly to the Raiders' offensive success. On the Dolphins' side, Malik Washington stood out with 87 receiving yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Raiders' balanced attack. Defensively, the Raiders showcased their strength, with Nakobe Dean leading the way with six total tackles, helping to stifle Miami's offensive efforts. The game's turning point came in the fourth quarter when the Raiders' defense tightened up, forcing a crucial turnover that shifted momentum and allowed them to secure the win. Kayvon Thibodeaux of the Dolphins made his mark with three sacks, but it wasn't enough to change the tide in this season opener.