Mark your calendars, Raiders fans—Thursday at 5 p.m. PST is when the NFL drops the full 2026 schedule, and there’s plenty of drama brewing beneath the surface. While we don't yet know the exact dates, we already know the opponents, and for four key players who suited up for Las Vegas in 2025, these matchups are personal. Let's break down the revenge games you won't want to miss.

First up is quarterback Geno Smith, and this one has all the makings of a grudge match. Smith's lone season in Sin City left a sour taste all around—remember that Week 12 loss to the Browns where he flashed an obscene gesture at home fans? He didn't exactly hide his eagerness to leave after the Raiders parted ways with his longtime head coach, Pete Carroll. Now, Smith returns to the team that drafted him back in 2013, but this time he's in a Jets uniform. The bad news for drama-seekers? The game is in New York, not Las Vegas. But make no mistake—Smith will be circling this one with extra fire.

Speaking of the Jets, that same game doubles as a revenge opportunity for offensive lineman John Simpson. After signing a two-year, $16 million deal with New York this offseason, Simpson might not carry the same vendetta as Smith, but there's still a story here. A four-year starter for the Raiders, Simpson never quite elevated from reliable to elite, and the franchise ultimately moved on. But consider this: during his time in Vegas, Simpson endured four different offensive line coaches, three head coaches, and five offensive coordinators. That kind of instability would test any player's patience. Now he gets to line up against his old team with something to prove.

These aren't just games on a calendar—they're chapters in a story. For the Raiders, it's about proving they made the right calls. For these players, it's about showing what they're made of. Whether you're rocking your favorite Raiders gear or just love a good NFL narrative, Thursday's schedule release is going to be one for the books.