Expert prediction
NFL Week 1: Dolphins vs. Raiders Preview, Odds, Predictions (Sep 13)
- Nikola Velickovic
- Sep 7, 2026 at 4:16 PM EDT
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Las Vegas Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins odds favor Las Vegas by 3.5 points.
- No.1 pick Fernando Mendoza won’t start against the Fins.
- Miami enters a new era, resetting the entire roster.
Kirk Cousins gets the starting nod for Las Vegas instead of Mendoza. And may we say that the fans aren’t happy about that at all. Meanwhile, the Dolphins enter as underdogs after overhauling the entire roster.
Check for more NFL odds and picks here.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 4:25 PM ET
- Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
- How to Watch: FOX
Dolphins vs. Vegas Raiders Odds
Game Preview
Jeff Hafley takes the wheel at the Miami Dolphins. The franchise from Florida decides to start from scratch, and this year is ground zero for them. Tua is out, and QB Malik Willis, who came from Green Bay, is now the starter.
Hafley knows how good Willis is, as he worked with him in Green Bay. Hafley was a defensive coordinator with the Packers, and may we add that he did a good job in Wiscon
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was named the Week 1 starter over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Fans aren’t happy, but new head coach Klint Kubiak wants to open the season with a win and slowly introduce Mendoza. TE Brock Bowers and RB Ashton Jeanty will be his main offensive weapons.
We are anxious to see how Kubiak handles the Raiders offense. It has potential, and Cousins might be the key to developing it. However, the public pressure regarding Mendoza will be tough to restrain.
Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders Head to Head
The series is tied at 21 wins each, and one tie. The most recent clash was in November 2023, when Miami won at home, 34-19.
Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions
Cousins is way more experienced, and he will know how to utilize the Raiders’ offensive potential. The Dolphins are at the start of a rebuild and are still creating chemistry. Overall, the Raiders have more experience and a better offense, which is why we bet on their victory.
- Free NFL Pick: Las Vegas Raiders
NFL
More Predictions
NFL Week 9 Upsets: Commanders Nasty Underdogs, Cardinals and Raiders Defending the Spread
Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season features several situational spots where short underdogs hold tactical, scheduling, or matchup advantages. There aren’t as many choices as in previous rounds, but there’s still enough for us bettors to make some money. Here is one straight-up upset pick and two point-spread underdog picks, backed by key tactical […]
NNikola Velickovic 3 min read
NFL Week 9 Player Props: Pitts to Score a TD, Flournoy Continues to Grow
NFL Week 9 player props are here. We’ve waited to see the situation regarding potential absences and injuries, and with game day just around the corner, it was time to unleash the best player prop picks for this round. We have three selections for our bettors, carefully picked and evaluated following a thorough process. After […]
NNikola Velickovic 2 min read
Broncos vs. Panthers Week 9 Picks: Young’s Poor Protection Will Cost Carolina
Best bet: Broncos ATS pick: Broncos -2.5 Bet Broncos vs. Panthers at BetUS Denver Broncos (6-2) hit the road to face the Carolina Panthers (3-4) and continue their excellent run. The Panthers have been on the downhill lately and are under pressure to win this game and get back to the winning side. Stay with […]
NNikola Velickovic 2 min read
Giants vs. Eagles Week 9 Picks: Rested Giants After a Win in Philly
Best bet: Giants ATS pick: Giants -3.5 Bet Giants vs. Eagles at BetUS NFC East is completely wild these days. The New York Giants (4-2-1) lead the group, while the Philadelphia Eagles (2-6) sit last. The home team is in huge trouble, having multiple stars out due to injuries. The Giants also have some absences, […]
NNikola Velickovic 2 min read
Browns vs. Saints Week 9 Picks: Indoor Arena Will Create Problems for Cleveland
Best bet: Saints -1.5 Straight up pick: Saints moneyline Bet Cardinals vs Cowboys at BetUS Cleveland Browns (5-3) are still in the mix for the playoffs. However, they will need to win in New Orleans against the Saints (2-5). Browns are very light underdogs here, sitting at +100 before we started writing this article. We […]
NNikola Velickovic 2 min read