Like many content publishers, we provide online advertising services that use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your device and online activity on our sites, apps and other online services. These services use this information to try to tailor the ads you see online to your interests. These are called interest-based ads. For more information about our collection, use and disclosure of your personal information when you visit our sites and apps, see our Privacy Policy.

Under certain state laws, including, but not limited to, the California Consumer Privacy Act, California Privacy Rights Act, and the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (collectively, “State Privacy Laws”), this collection and use of our users’ information for interest-based advertising purposes may constitute a “sale” of personal information to other parties. Certain State Privacy Laws require that we give you the ability to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information or data in connection with these targeting advertising activities. Although State Privacy Laws only extend their protections to residents of their particular states, we respect consumer choice when it comes to privacy rights. Accordingly, we offer all of our users – regardless of whether you are a resident of a state that has adopted a State Privacy Law – the right to opt out of this type of sale or sharing of your personal information. You can exercise this opt-out right by using the toggle switch below.

Opting out will not disable cookies or other technologies that facilitate the proper functioning of our website or collect data for purposes that do not involve targeted advertising. Opting out will not mean that you will stop seeing interest-based ads or other ads online. Specifically, opting out will not prevent you from seeing interest-based ads based on information that, for purposes of State Privacy Laws, was not sold or shared by us, was sold before you opted out, or was sold by third parties outside of our control. You can learn more about interest-based ads and additional opt-out choices here.

After back-to-back losses that raised doubts about the team’s direction, Sunday’s win served as a subtle but powerful reminder: the Raiders can execute, can close games, and can trust in the process Pierce has been preaching since training camp. “It wasn’t pretty,” the head coach admitted afterward. “But it was progress. That’s what we needed — something to build on.”

Progress came from all corners. Quarterback Gardner Minshew, starting amid injury uncertainty, showed poise and grit under pressure, delivering several key third-down conversions that kept the offense alive. Rookie running back Dylan Laube brought energy with his burst out of the backfield, and Davante Adams — the veteran leader who’s been open about his frustration — caught a crucial touchdown that reminded everyone of his enduring brilliance.

Defensively, the Raiders finally looked connected. Maxx Crosby set the tone early, commanding double teams and still finding ways to disrupt the pocket. Safety Tre’von Moehrig’s timely interception in the fourth quarter sealed the victory and symbolized a defense rediscovering its confidence. For a unit that’s too often been reactive instead of proactive, this was a welcome shift in attitude.

“It’s all about momentum,” Crosby said postgame. “When you’ve been grinding, losing close ones, you start to feel that pressure. But once you get that first one back, the energy changes. Guys start to believe again.”

That belief is the foundation Las Vegas must carry forward. This wasn’t a breakthrough win — not yet — but it was a stabilizing one. A chance to reset the tone heading into a critical stretch against playoff-caliber opponents. Because the NFL doesn’t wait for anyone: one win can be forgotten as quickly as it arrives if a team doesn’t build on it.

For Pierce, whose leadership has emphasized accountability and unity, this is the moment to translate optimism into consistency. “I told the guys, winning one game isn’t enough,” he said. “Winning consistently — that’s how you change a culture.” His message is clear: treat the victory not as validation, but as fuel.

The Raiders’ biggest challenge hasn’t been talent — it’s been rhythm. Drives stall, energy dips, mistakes snowball. But Sunday’s win showed glimpses of the team’s potential when all three phases click. The offense mixed tempo effectively. The defense made timely stops. The special teams executed cleanly. It wasn’t dominance — it was competence. And sometimes, that’s where comebacks begin.

Fans, long accustomed to heartbreak, sensed that too. The noise inside Allegiant Stadium had a different texture — less hope, more hunger. After the final whistle, a small but noticeable chant of “Let’s go Raiders” echoed through the stands, as if supporters collectively decided to exhale. “We’re not celebrating like we won the Super Bowl,” one fan said outside the tunnel. “But for the first time in weeks, it felt like we’re back on track.”

Looking ahead, Las Vegas faces a defining stretch. The next three opponents — the Chiefs, Chargers, and Ravens — will test every ounce of the Raiders’ growth. It’s not just about execution; it’s about mentality. Can they carry the fight, discipline, and balance they showed in Week 6 into tougher matchups? Can they sustain confidence when adversity returns — as it inevitably will?

That’s where leaders like Adams, Crosby, and Pierce come in. Their message this week must echo one theme: don’t waste momentum. The NFL is built on rhythm — teams that stack wins, even ugly ones, often find themselves in playoff contention come December. “Good teams find ways to win when it’s messy,” Adams said after the game. “We just have to keep finding ways.”