Las Vegas Raiders 2022 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

The Las Vegas Raiders await their schedule for the 2022 season to be revealed on May 12, but they already know their opponents. Here are five must-win games.

The Las Vegas Raiders made it to the playoffs last season after overcoming all of the odds that they faced. They put up an admirable effort against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round but ultimately lost.

This offseason, the Raiders made big moves to help their chances of making the playoffs once again. They hired Josh McDaniels as head coach and Dave Ziegler as general manager, both of whom were from the New England Patriots. Not only that, but they added superstars to both sides of the ball in wide receiver Davante Adams and edge rusher Chandler Jones.

With Las Vegas all-in on the 2022 season, here are five must-win games on their schedule.

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 schedule: 5 must-win games

5. Los Angeles Chargers

The first must-win game is against the rival Los Angeles Chargers.

In Week 4 last season, Las Vegas lost 28-14 in their first meeting, but their second was for all of the marbles. Both teams were vying for one Wild Card berth in their regular-season finale. It was a tense matchup, which required overtime. Yet, it was the Raiders who picked up the 35-32 win and the playoff berth.

Much like the rest of the AFC, the Chargers improved as well. Their biggest addition was former Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson, who strengthens their defensive backfield. Plus, the Chargers are always going to be in contention as long as Justin Herbert is their starting quarterback.

Any chance the Raiders have in making the playoffs hinges on getting wins in the AFC West.