Washington carved through Las Vegas’ run defense in Week 3, exposing misreads, unbalanced lines, and missed tackles. The Raiders yielded 201 rushing yards at 7.6 per carry, their worst run- defense grade of the early season. Pre-snap confusion, edge-containment issues, and post-snap gaps opened multiple big plays, underscoring a need for tighter alignment and tackling to stabilize fantasy-heavy run games.

Key plays highlighted the breakdowns: interior pressure pushing edges wide, linebackers over-pursuing, and corners failing to shed blockers. Tackling woes—11 misses, 10 on the ground—gave Washington extra chances. For fantasy managers, the takeaway is to reassess Raiders defenders and monitor how Washington’s offense and Marcus Mariota/Deebo Samuel usage evolves going forward.

Two weeks into the season, the Raiders’ defensive line is stealing headlines. Jonah Laulu has surged to the forefront with 3 sacks, sitting just behind the league leaders, while Thomas Booker IV has flashed elite interior pressure after a camp trade for Jakorian Bennett. Las Vegas has also benefited from the Wilkins release and big paydays for Crosby, Butler, and Koonce, fueling a top-5 run defense early.

Early returns point to a transformative interior rush for Las Vegas, with Laulu and Booker forming a dynamic pair that could lift the unit all season. If the trend holds, the Raiders’ schemed pressure and run-stopping ability may redefine the defense in fantasy alike.

Raiders fall 20-9 at home as the Chargers’ defense harasses Geno Smith all night and Vegas’ run game sputters. Smith’s three interceptions and a handful of stalled drives sap the offense, while Los Angeles leans on timely big plays from Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston. Brock Bowers is active but yards are scarce. Las Vegas’ defense battles, but the discrepancy in three phases keeps this from a closer result. Week 3 preview: Washington looms.

Las Vegas enters 2025 with Adam Butler anchoring the interior, but behind him the DT depth is unsettled. Jonah Laulu, Thomas Booker IV and Tonka Hemingway are all in the mix, each eyeing snaps as Booker has already pushed for reps. A potential 2026 draft addition could reshape the room if the unit remains uncertain. Clemson's Peter Woods emerges as a top prospect if the Raiders need a long-term answer at tackle.

Week 1 college tape from Woods showed disruptive consistency, underscoring why LV might circle him down the line. The 2025 season is a development year for LV's DTs, with Butler providing stability and the others proving their worth as the club monitors development for any 2026 adjustments.