In a dominant display to kick off the 2026 season, the Las Vegas Raiders topped the Miami Dolphins 31-13. With both teams looking to set the tone early, the Raiders seized control, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the league. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the charge for Las Vegas, tossing for 289 yards and a touchdown, while Brock Bowers emerged as his favorite target, racking up 104 receiving yards. De'Von Achane was the standout for Miami, contributing 73 rushing yards, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Raiders' explosive offense. Defensively, the Raiders were relentless, with Nakobe Dean leading the team in tackles with seven. Maxx Crosby made his presence felt, recording two key sacks that disrupted Miami's rhythm and shifted momentum in favor of Las Vegas. The turning point came midway through the second quarter when Mendoza connected with Bowers for a crucial touchdown, extending their lead and putting the Dolphins on their heels for the remainder of the game.