The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-13 on Sunday night, securing a 1-0 start behind balanced offensive production while Miami falls to 0-1 in their season opener.
The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-13 on Sunday night, September 13, at Allegiant Stadium. The victory improves Las Vegas to 1-0 and places them first in the AFC West, while the loss drops Miami to 0-1 and third in the AFC East. The decisive factor was Las Vegas’s ability to leverage a dual-threat attack from quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Ashton Jeanty, who combined for five total touchdowns, overwhelming a Miami defense that struggled to contain the ball carriers despite strong individual tackling efforts.
Raiders Offensive Dominance
Las Vegas opened the 2026 season with a efficient, high-scoring performance led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins completed 21 of 30 passes for 160 yards, connecting on three touchdown passes. Although he threw two interceptions, his ability to move the chain and find the end zone proved critical. His primary targets included wide receiver Jack Bech, who caught a 15-yard touchdown pass, and running back Ashton Jeanty, who emerged as a major threat in the passing game.
Ashton Jeanty provided the physical foundation for the Raiders’ offense. He carried the ball 23 times for 102 rushing yards and added six receptions for 45 receiving yards. Jeanty scored two touchdowns via the air, catching 13-yard passes from Cousins. His versatility forced Miami to account for him in both run and pass schemes, creating openings for other contributors. Kicker Matt Gay also played a pivotal role in maintaining momentum, drilling field goals of 47 and 30 yards, along with all extra points, ensuring the Raiders maintained control of the scoreboard throughout the contest.
Dolphins Rookie Struggles
Miami’s season began with a challenging outing for rookie quarterback Malik Willis. Starting in place of the usual incumbent, Willis completed 15 of 27 passes for 220 yards but threw one interception. While he accounted for two total touchdowns—including a 14-yard rushing score—he faced significant pressure, taking five sacks during the game. Head Coach Jeff Hafley stated he has “total confidence and faith” in Willis, but the statistical line reflected the steep learning curve of playing against an aggressive NFL defense.
Despite the loss, several Dolphins players posted solid individual numbers. Wide receiver Caleb Douglas led the receiving corps with five catches for 94 yards, providing one of the few consistent bright spots in the passing attack. On the ground, Willis added 39 rushing yards on six carries. Defensively, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was a standout anchor, recording a game-high 14 total tackles. However, Rodriguez’s efforts were not enough to stem the tide, as the Dolphins’ defense allowed multiple scoring drives and failed to generate sufficient turnovers to complement their own offense.
Turning Point: Jeanty’s Dual Impact
The game’s trajectory shifted significantly due to Ashton Jeanty’s ability to impact the game in multiple phases. After early field goals from both sides kept the score close, Jeanty’s receiving touchdowns helped pull away from Miami. His 13-yard catch-and-score plays demonstrated how the Raiders exploited mismatches in the secondary. While Miami managed to respond with a Riley Patterson field goal and Willis’s rushing touchdown, the cumulative effect of Jeanty’s 147 total yards of offense (102 rushing, 45 receiving) created a gap that Miami could not close. The Raiders’ defensive front, led by Kwity Paye’s two sacks, consistently disrupted Willis’s timing, preventing Miami from establishing a rhythm comparable to Las Vegas’s balanced attack.
Key Statistical Takeaways
- Raiders Efficiency: Kirk Cousins threw for 3 touchdowns against only 160 yards, highlighting precision over volume.
- Dual-Threat RB: Ashton Jeanty recorded 102 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards, contributing to 50% of Las Vegas’s total points.
- Defensive Pressure: Kwity Paye recorded 2 sacks and 6 tackles, disrupting the Dolphins’ pocket presence.
- Tackling Volume: Jacob Rodriguez’s 14 tackles for Miami were the highest on either team, underscoring the defensive strain.
What It Means Going Forward
The results set contrasting tones for both franchises as they look ahead. The Raiders, now 1-0, will face immediate injury concerns heading into their next matchup. Star tight end Brock Bowers is listed as out following a meniscus trim procedure, and several key defenders including Kyle Louis and Dont’e Thornton Jr. are sidelined or on injured reserve. Despite these absences, the win provides a strong foundation for Las Vegas as they prepare to travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers on Sunday, September 20.
For the Dolphins, the 0-1 record signals urgent questions regarding offensive consistency. Rookie Malik Willis must refine his decision-making under pressure as Miami prepares for a tough road test against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. The team will need to improve its protection scheme and create more separation for receivers like Caleb Douglas if they hope to bounce back against a formidable NFC opponent. The margin of defeat suggests that while Miami has individual talent, they lacked the cohesive execution needed to compete with a disciplined Las Vegas squad.
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