In a high-scoring season opener, the Las Vegas Raiders topped the Miami Dolphins 41-30, kicking off the 2026 campaign with a bang. Both teams were looking to establish their presence early, but it was the Raiders who emerged victorious in this thrilling matchup. Leading the charge for Las Vegas was quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who threw for an impressive 440 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his ability to connect with his receivers downfield. Dont'e Thornton Jr. was a standout target, racking up 198 receiving yards, while Miami's Malik Willis provided a spark on the ground with 97 rushing yards, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Raiders' explosive offense. Defensively, Las Vegas made crucial plays at key moments, with Keyron Crawford recording a sack that helped halt Miami's momentum. The turning point came in the second quarter when Mendoza launched a deep touchdown pass to Thornton Jr., widening the gap and forcing the Dolphins to play catch-up for the remainder of the game. Ultimately, the Raiders' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their defensive stops sealed the deal in this exhilarating opener.