LAS VEGAS, NV — The anticipation is thick in Las Vegas as head coach Max Farias and his Raiders prepare to head to Houston for a massive AFC Championship rematch against the Texans — the very team that ended their Super Bowl dreams a year ago.
Meeting with the media under the warm Nevada sun after practice, Farias was candid and confident. “I think about that game in Houston all the time,” he admitted, referencing the narrow 34-31 loss in last year’s AFC Championship. “It’s something we’ve used as fuel. That loss taught me and this team so much about what it takes to close out big games — and about the mindset needed to survive these moments.”
This time around, the Raiders arrive with an offense that’s even more dynamic. Quarterback Trent Carney has elevated his game, throwing for 4,851 yards and 40 touchdowns, while tight end Brock Bowers continues to be a matchup nightmare for defenders. Running back Imani Younger has been the hammer in the backfield, powering the ground game with 1,260 yards and 18 touchdowns.
On defense, the Raiders have been just as imposing, ranking first in both points and yards allowed per game. But Farias knows the Texans will bring their own challenges — especially with quarterback C.J. Stroud healthy and back in the lineup. “Stroud’s a special player,” Farias said. “His decision-making and accuracy, especially in the red zone, are what make him elite. We have to be sharp and disciplined.”
Reflecting on his personal growth, Farias shared how last season’s heartbreak changed his approach. “I’ve grown a lot as a leader,” he said. “I’ve learned that you can’t be afraid to challenge your players to be better every day — and that starts with me challenging myself. This year, I focused more on building trust, making sure our guys felt heard and supported.”
When asked about the atmosphere in the locker room heading into this rematch, Farias smiled. “The guys are locked in. They’ve been waiting for this opportunity all year,” he said. “They know what’s at stake, and they know how close we were last time. We’re not backing down.”
With a trip to the 2K OLF Super Bowl on the line and memories of last year’s loss still fresh, the Raiders are determined to flip the script. “We’re battle-tested,” Farias said. “And we’re ready to go.”
