In a thrilling season opener, the Las Vegas Raiders topped the Miami Dolphins 31-21, kicking off the 2026 campaign with a strong performance. Both teams came in eager to stake their claim early in the season, but it was the Raiders who emerged victorious, showcasing a balanced attack on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the standout for Las Vegas, throwing for 220 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating precision and poise. His connection with receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. was electric, as Thornton racked up 97 receiving yards, providing crucial support in the passing game. Meanwhile, Malik Willis led the Dolphins with a strong ground game, rushing for 111 yards, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Defensively, the Raiders made key plays that shifted momentum in their favor. Treydan Stukes led the team with five total tackles, while Eric Stokes secured a pivotal interception that halted a Dolphins drive and kept the pressure on Miami's offense. The turning point came late in the third quarter, when Mendoza threw his fourth touchdown, widening the lead and forcing the Dolphins to play catch-up, ultimately sealing the Raiders' victory.