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

2. Indianapolis Colts

For the Raiders to clinch a Wild Card spot at minimum, they will have to pick up a win over other playoff contenders in the conference. One opponent that fits the bill is the Indianapolis Colts.

The Carson Wentz experiment failed after one season, and they traded him to the Washington Commanders. From there, they were able to acquire former NFL MVP Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons.

Perhaps what makes this matchup even more interesting is that their former defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, joined the Colts, holding the same title. Not to mention that defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue is there after the Raiders moved him in exchange for cornerback Rock-Ya Sin.

Picking up a win against the Colts, who could contend for either the Wild Card or the AFC South, would do wonders for the Raiders.

1. New England Patriots

This is a victory that the Raiders need to have in 2022.

The New England Patriots have been a thorn in the side of the Raiders since the infamous Tuck Rule game in early 2002. Ever since then, the Raiders have picked up just one win against Bill Belichick’s squad. Meanwhile, the Patriots have won their last six meetings.

Finally breaking the losing streak should be a must for the Raiders. It certainly helps that the Patriots were a playoff team last year, and beating them will help their odds of clinching a berth.