The Las Vegas Raiders enter 2025 with a new identity, a new head coach, and a renewed sense of optimism. Pete Carroll has taken over in Las Vegas. He bring his trademark energy and defensive pedigree to a franchise desperate for stability. Across the field, the New England Patriots are also beginning a new chapter. They have Mike Vrabel taking the reins and second-year quarterback Drake Maye aiming to prove he’s the long-term answer. Two proud franchises, both in transition, will clash in Foxborough in a Week 1 matchup full of intrigue.
Raiders and Patriots open new eras at Gillette Stadium
The Raiders and Patriots play on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Gillette Stadium in a game that feels like a fresh start for both sides. For New England, the spotlight is on Maye. The 2024 rookie showed promise but also endured growing pains. The Patriots spent the offseason adding pieces to help him succeed. The big question: is he ready to take the next step? Week 1 against the Raiders will be his first big test.
For Las Vegas, the goal is to start the Carroll era on the right foot. Carroll brings along quarterback Geno Smith, reuniting with his former Seattle signal-caller. The Raiders’ backfield also now features Ashton Jeanty, the dynamic Heisman finalist expected to be a workhorse from Day 1. Add in a healthy defense and rookie phenom tight end Brock Bowers, and the Raiders appear primed for a big leap forward. With Vrabel’s defensive mindset clashing against Carroll’s relentless energy, fans should expect a gritty, physical contest to open the season.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Raiders and the Patriots in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
Maye goes for over 270 yards
Drake Maye gave Patriots fans reason for optimism in 2024. He completing 66.6 percent of his passes for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 12 starts. Those are respectable rookie numbers. However, if he wants to solidify himself as the franchise quarterback, he needs to take a noticeable step forward in Year 2. New England invested in its offensive line and added more skill talent. Now, Maye now has the support system to show he can be more than steady—he needs to be dynamic.
Week 1 against Las Vegas provides that opportunity. The Raiders’ defense has improved under Carroll but remains a work in progress. That leaves room for Maye to attack downfield. Expect him to top 270 passing yards and connect with his young receivers in a showing that demonstrates progress, even if it doesn’t quite translate into a Patriots victory.
Bowers has 70+ yards and a touchdown
Few rookies in NFL history made the kind of impact Brock Bowers did last year. Averaging nine targets per game, he posted 112 receptions for 1,194 yards. Both were records for a rookie tight end. Now entering his sophomore season with Smith throwing him the ball, the sky’s the limit.
Against New England, Bowers’ versatility will be on full display. He can line up in the slot, on the boundary, or inline. He can create matchup nightmares for linebackers and safeties. Expect him to post at least 70 yards and find the end zone. That would establish himself as the focal point of Las Vegas’ passing attack. Bowers isn’t just a security blanket. He's a difference-maker capable of tilting games.
Smith has 250+ yards and 2 touchdowns
Geno Smith’s reunion with Pete Carroll provides the Raiders with something they’ve lacked in recent years: a quarterback who understands the system. Now paired with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Smith will operate in an up-tempo scheme. With Jeanty pounding the ball on the ground and Bowers leading the aerial attack, Smith won’t have to carry the offense alone.
That said, Smith is more than capable of producing through the air. Expect him to throw for at least 250 yards and two touchdowns. He should spread the ball around to Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, Amari Cooper, and others. He may not replicate the gaudy numbers of his Seattle peak. Still, in Carroll’s system, efficiency and composure will be enough to elevate the Raiders’ offense.
Raiders win a close game
The Patriots are still rebuilding. Yes, Maye’s growth is encouraging. That said, New England lacks the firepower to match Las Vegas point-for-point. The Raiders, by contrast, have a unique blend of veteran leadership and young talent. With Bowers wreaking havoc, Jeanty pounding the ball, and Smith running Carroll’s system, Las Vegas looks like a team ready to make noise early in the season.
Expect this game to be competitive throughout. Both defenses will make plays and both quarterbacks will show flashes. Ultimately, though, the Raiders’ offensive balance and Carroll’s defensive wrinkles will give them the edge. Look for Las Vegas to escape Gillette Stadium with a 24-20 victory. That will signal that the Carroll era could be one to watch.
Final thoughts
The Raiders and Patriots are both franchises in transition. However, Week 1 should highlight where each stands in its journey. New England is banking on Maye’s growth and Vrabel’s leadership to usher in a new era. Meanwhile, Las Vegas is leaning on Carroll’s experience, Smith’s steady hand, and the explosive potential of Bowers and Jeanty.
Bold predictions suggest Maye will take steps forward, Bowers will dominate, Smith will shine, and the Raiders will earn a narrow victory. For Las Vegas, it’s the start of something promising. For New England, it’s a reminder that patience is still required.
