Heading into Week 15, the Las Vegas Raiders are 2-11. That is tied with the Giants and Titans for the worst record in the NFL. The Raiders have lost seven consecutive games, with their last win coming on October 12. Nearly two months ago.
Veteran QB Geno Smith followed Pete Carroll to Las Vegas this offseason. He’s been the Raiders’ QB through their first 13 games and is 2-11. Against the Broncos in Week 14, Geno Smith suffered a shoulder injury. Kenny Pickett came in and took over for Smith. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll told the media that Kenny Pickett will likely start in Week 15 for Las Vegas.
Kenny Pickett could make his first start of the season on Sunday vs. the Eagles
#Raiders QB Geno Smith, dealing with a shoulder injury, is considered unlikely to start on Sunday, sources say. He won’t practice today.
That would put Kenny Pickett in line to start against the #Eagles, his former team. pic.twitter.com/N99FxWImkG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2025
In Week 15, the Raiders will travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles. Against the Broncos in Week 14, QB Geno Smith suffered a hand a shoulder injury during the third quarter. Backup QB Kenny Pickett came in and finished the game for Las Vegas. Smith did not practice on Wednesday due to the shoulder injury. Head coach Pete Carroll spoke with the media as if Kenny Pickett would be the starter on Sunday vs. the Eagles.
Kenny Pickett has appeared in three games for the Raiders in 2025. That includes him finishing the game for Geno Smith in Week 14. Pickett was 8-11 for 97 yards and a passing touchdown to Shedrick Jackson. In Week 15, Kenny Pickett will take on his former team. Pickett was with the Eagles for one season and won a Super Bowl as their backup in 2024.
“It’s a great opportunity. All you can ask for is an opportunity. I’ve got enough to make the throws, I’m confident I can get the ball around the field where I need to. Definitely confident in what I can do.”
Raiders QB Kenny Pickett on potentially starting Sunday against his… pic.twitter.com/U7U0dRwjfA
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) December 10, 2025
Pickett made one start for Philadelphia during the 2024 regular season. He played for Jalen Hurts who was in consussion protocol. The Eagles beat Dallas 41-7 with Pickett as their starter in Week 17. In that game, Pickett was 10-15 for 143 yards and one passing touchdown. Las Vegas has a tough game ahead vs. the 8-5 Eagles, who are desperate for a win.
Sunday’s Week 15 matchup is an important game for Kenny Pickett’s future in the NFL. He is playing with Las Vegas on the final season of his rookie contract. Pickett was a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2022. If Pickett plays well in his first start of the year, he could earn a contract next season as a backup. He’s taking over a Raiders’ offense that is averaging a league-worst 15.1 points per game in 2025. Can he lead the Raiders to an improbable win?
