Raiders' Thunder-and-Lightning Backfield: Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. Set to Explode in 2026

LAS VEGAS – Second-year running back Ashton Jeanty is rapidly becoming the most talked-about weapon in the desert, and league insiders believe the breakout Las Vegas Raiders fans expected in 2025 is now primed to explode in 2026. FROM BOISE STATE STAR TO SILVER-AND-BLACK CENTERPIECE Jeanty’s rookie campaign produced 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns despite constant shuffling on the offensive line and an ill-fated stance tweak under former coordinator Chip Kelly. Even with those obstacles, Pro Football Focus credited him with 61 missed tackles forced—tied for ninth in the NFL—and a sturdy 3.1 yards after contact per rush. WHY ANALYSTS FORECAST A SOPHOMORE SURGE Former Raiders tackle Marshall Newhouse told the “Just Win Podcast” that Jeanty is “ripe for a blow-up second year” now that head coach Klint Kubiak has rebuilt the blocking scheme and recommitted to a run-first identity. Kubiak confirmed he wants Jeanty featured “as soon as our players can realize it’s a team thing” during February’s media availability. THUNDER-AND-LIGHTNING BACKFIELD General manager Champ Kelly doubled down on that philosophy in April by grabbing 4.36-speed rookie Mike Washington Jr. in Round 4, a move local media immediately labeled the perfect complement to Jeanty’s bruising style. Washington called the pairing “lightning to Ashton’s thunder,” and beat writers expect a 60-40 carry split designed to keep both backs fresh. SCHEME FIT: MORE MCCAFFREY, LESS THREE-YARDS-AND-A-CLOUD Kubiak’s west-coast roots emphasize motion, angle routes and split-wide looks for the running back, concepts that former Pro Bowler Maurice Jones-Drew says could unlock Jeanty’s “Christian McCaffrey-type upside” in space. Expect increased snaps in the slot and plenty of play-action leak outs to exploit mismatches against linebackers. FANTASY & BETTING IMPLICATIONS Sportsbooks opened Jeanty at +2,200 for Offensive Player of the Year, but sharp money already trimmed that to +1,600. Fantasy analysts project 1,600 total yards and double-digit scores if he reaches a modest 270-touch threshold—numbers that would vault him into first-round ADP territory by July drafts. WHAT COMES NEXT Organized team activities start May 20, where all eyes will be on Jeanty’s chemistry with newly crowned franchise quarterback Fernando Mendoza and revamped right side anchored by rookie guard Wyatt Colton. If the line gels, the NFL’s next great dual-threat back might be hiding in plain sight on the Vegas strip—and fantasy managers, bettors and Raider Nation alike would be wise to buy in early.