In a hard-fought defensive showdown, the Las Vegas Raiders narrowly defeated the Miami Dolphins 7-0 in Week 1 of the 2026 season. This matchup set the tone for both teams, highlighting their contrasting strategies as they kick off the new year. Fernando Mendoza led the Raiders with a crucial passing touchdown, while Malik Willis of the Dolphins managed to rack up 107 passing yards despite the team's struggles on offense. The standout receiving performance came from Dont'e Thornton Jr., who tallied 85 receiving yards, providing Mendoza with a reliable target throughout the game. On the ground, De'Von Achane could only muster 17 rushing yards, showcasing the Dolphins' difficulties in establishing a balanced attack. Defensively, Kwity Paye was the star for the Raiders, recording three total tackles and an impressive three sacks, consistently pressuring Willis and stifling the Dolphins' offensive rhythm. The game's turning point came when Mendoza found the end zone, which proved to be the decisive moment in a contest dominated by defensive prowess. Meanwhile, JuJu Brents' interception for Miami highlighted some resilience, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome in this tightly contested battle.