Las Vegas Raiders NFL power rankings Week 1: What experts are saying

A strong finish to the 2023 campaign breeds optimism that the Las Vegas Raiders can get over the hump and into the playoffs in the first full year under head coach Antonio Pierce, but a major question mark at the most important position in the NFL leaves plenty of doubt, also.

The Raiders signed veteran Gardner Minshew in free agency and had him compete with second-year signal-caller Aidan O'Connell for the starting job. Minshew did end up winning the gig , but neither quarterback was particularly impressive, leading to concerns about either one being able to elevate Las Vegas.

The strength of this team will no doubt be the defense. After an elite finish to the previous campaign, Las Vegas has mostly kept the group intact, but the addition of Christian Wilkins could elevate this talented unit even more. Las Vegas will need second-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett to step up in a starting role, though.

While it means nothing to Las Vegas' overall outlook, experts from different media outlets aren't showing the Raiders any love. Here's a look at where they place the Raiders in their NFL power rankings for Week 1.

Las Vegas Raiders NFL power rankings Week 1

Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports: 24 (+2)

Schwab: "The Raiders chose Gardner Minshew II to be their quarterback, though it seemed like a default pick. Still, Minshew has had good stretches and always has his teams more competitive than anticipated. The Raiders will be a tough out if the defense is as good as some believe."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 31 (-7)

Prisco: "Antonio Pierce will need to really work some magic to get this team to win seven games. The roster isn't great. Gardner Minshew isn't the answer at quarterback, either."

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 29 (-5)

Davis: "All-Pro WR Davante Adams could have a huge impact on this organization's future … assuming he plays well enough to fetch a sizable return before the trade deadline."

Bleacher Report: 26

Bleacher Report: "If Minshew struggles out of the gate, it won't take until mid-season for fans to start clamoring for O'Connell."

Josh Kendall, The Athletic: 26

Kendall: "There’s no way the Raiders hoped Gardner Minshew would win the starting quarterback job when they signed him to a two-year, $25 million free-agency deal this offseason, and his play this preseason would hardly suggest he won it. He was simply the better of two not-great options. That’s not a good sign for Aidan O’Connell, the second-year quarterback who at least could have given Las Vegas some hope for the future. Minshew, who is 15-22 as a starter for three teams, is simply a bridge starter. The question is where is this bridge going?"

Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 30

Wirth: "I find it hard to believe that Davante Adams will be much happier with Gardner Minshew over Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O'Connell. How soon before he requests a trade? He and Maxx Crosby will have plenty of suitors before the trade deadline."

Pamela Maldonado, Sharp Football Analysis: 27 (no change)

Maldonado: "The competition for the starting quarterback position has been a focal point. Gardner Minshew was named the starter due to his experience and ability to provide a fast start for the team. He brings mobility and playmaking ability. Antonio Pierce, in his first full season as head coach, has been instrumental in integrating new players and refining both offensive and defensive schemes."

Diante Lee, The Ringer: 28

Lee: "Any team starting Gardner Minshew in the year of our Lord 2024 is unserious, yet I’m excited to watch Davante Adams go through another season with an unfathomably high target rate—because we know Adams will be Minshew’s first and second read in every progression. Colts head coach Shane Steichen managed to minimize Minshew’s mistakes and help give him answers against the blitz last season, but I’m concerned about Minshew’s ability to maintain that safer level of play without a high-level play caller by his side. Don’t be surprised if his sack and interception rates are among the highest for starting quarterbacks.

"If you’re tuning in to watch the Raiders in 2024, focus instead on the defensive front, where Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins form one of the best pass-rush tandems in the league. Crosby put up more than 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in each of the past two seasons—and that was without a legitimate running mate. If Jack Jones and Tre’von Moehrig stay healthy in the secondary, this defense will be tough to move the ball against."