The Las Vegas Raiders have matched their win total from last season, and have done so in just five games. The team was 3-2 under quarterback Kirk Cousins in his first year.
However, the Raiders are coming off an ugly loss against the New England Patriots in Week 5, a game in which the defense gave up 45 points, the most they’ve allowed all season. They’ve lost two straight, and the road back to the winning column won’t get any easier as Las Vegas faces Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.
Defense has been a problem lately for the Raiders, despite the best efforts of defensive end Maxx Crosby.
David Brytus – IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Crosby remains the most influential player on the defensive side of the ball. Through five games, the five-time Pro Bowler forced one fumble and recovered it, recorded two sacks, recorded nine tackles and an impressive 13 quarterback hits.
Crosby has always been known as a competitive spirit that gets in the faces of his opponents. However, sometimes that comes at a cost, and it happened in Week 5.
During the Patriots’ extra point attempt, Crosby was flagged for unnecessary roughness, specifically for illegal helmet use after tackling a Patriots lineman.
Not only did he cost his team 15 yards in the moment, but the NFL decided to fine him for the incident. According to the NFL’s schedule of fines and appeals, unauthorized use of a helmet and launching results in a $23,882 fine for a first offense, which Crosby received.
#Raiders’ Maxx Crosby was fined $23,882 for helmet use in this game that was flagged early in the game against the #Patriots . pic.twitter.com/MMEdUrvBLH
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 17, 2026
Crosby does have a chance to appeal the fine, but it will be difficult for him to win that one. He will look to help get the Raiders back on track in Week 6 against the Bills and put the incident behind him.
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