The Las Vegas Raiders offense ranked dead last in the NFL in 2025, averaging a paltry 14.1 points per game. That’s why the Raiders went out and hired Klint Kubiak, who just engineered a Super Bowl-winning offense with the Seattle Seahawks. But is Kubiak a savior, or does he face an insurmountable task in turning around this Raiders offense?
Key Takeaways
- Klint Kubiak’s Seahawks offense ranked third in the NFL in scoring in 2025, averaging 28.4 points per game, a significant jump from the Raiders’ league-worst 14.1 points per game.
- Kubiak’s success in Seattle was built on a strong rushing attack, with the Seahawks ranking 10th in the league with 123.3 rushing yards per game, a stark contrast to the Raiders’ 32nd-ranked 77.5 rushing yards per game.
- The Raiders are projected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, and Kubiak’s track record of developing quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins could be key to Mendoza’s success.
- Las Vegas is currently listed at +6000 to win Super Bowl LXI according to DraftKings Sportsbook, a sign that expectations remain low despite the coaching change.
Can Kubiak Replicate His Seattle Success in Las Vegas?
Kubiak’s impact on the Seattle Seahawks’ offense was undeniable. In 2025, the Seahawks ranked third in the NFL in scoring (28.4 points per game) and eighth in total yards (351.4 yards per game). This was a significant improvement from the previous season when the Seahawks ranked 18th in points and 14th in total yards. A key to Kubiak’s success was his ability to establish a strong running game, utilizing both Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet effectively. Walker even earned Super Bowl MVP honors. “Kubiak really understands how to scheme for the run,” said ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. “He creates mismatches and opens up opportunities for explosive plays.” The Raiders, on the other hand, struggled mightily to run the ball in 2025, finishing last in the league with just 77.5 rushing yards per game. Kubiak will need to revitalize the Raiders’ rushing attack if he hopes to replicate his success in Seattle. To do so, the Raiders will need to invest in their offensive line, which was a major weakness in 2025, allowing quarterback Geno Smith to be sacked 51 times. Adding talented free agents like Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum could be a key step in that process.
How Will Kubiak Develop Fernando Mendoza?
The Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, but he will need the right coaching to reach his full potential. Kubiak has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks. In 2025, he helped Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold earn his second Pro Bowl selection after throwing for over 4,000 yards. He also worked with Kirk Cousins in Minnesota, where Cousins threw for over 12,000 yards and 94 touchdowns in three seasons. “Kubiak has a knack for tailoring his offense to the strengths of his quarterback,” noted NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner. “He understands how to create easy reads and put his quarterback in a position to succeed.” Mendoza himself has expressed excitement about the possibility of working with Kubiak. “The way [Kubiak] has developed Sam Darnold has been phenomenal,” Mendoza said during Super Bowl week. Kubiak’s ability to develop Mendoza will be crucial to the Raiders’ long-term success. He runs his version of the West Coast offense, known for short, accurate passes and emphasis on running the ball.
What Needs to Happen for the Raiders to Contend?
While the hiring of Kubiak is a positive step, the Raiders still have a long way to go before they can be considered a true contender. In addition to improving the offensive line and developing Mendoza, the Raiders need to add more talent at wide receiver. While tight end Brock Bowers has the potential to be a star, the Raiders lack a true No. 1 wide receiver who can consistently make plays. Veteran options like Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce could be free agent targets, but the Raiders may also look to add a receiver in the draft. The Raiders also need to improve their defense, which ranked in the bottom half of the league in 2025. The team could target pass rushers or cornerbacks in the draft or free agency. With a few key additions and continued development from their young players, the Raiders could surprise some people in 2026, but they still face an uphill battle in a competitive AFC West.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Ashton Jeanty: Raiders Running Back. In 2025, he ran for 975 yards and 5 touchdowns.
- Brock Bowers: Raiders Tight End. He had 64 receptions for 680 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2025.
- Sam Darnold: Seahawks Quarterback. He threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record.
- Kenneth Walker III: Seahawks Running Back. He rushed for 1,027 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025, winning Super Bowl MVP.
What This Means
- For Raiders fans: Kubiak’s hiring signals a commitment to fixing the offense, but patience will be key. The Raiders’ Super Bowl odds are currently at +6000, suggesting a long road ahead.
- For Fantasy Football players: Brock Bowers could be a valuable fantasy asset in Kubiak’s offense, especially in TE premium leagues. Keep an eye on his training camp performance.
- For the Raiders organization: Investing in the offensive line and finding a No. 1 wide receiver are crucial to maximizing Kubiak’s potential and developing Fernando Mendoza.
