Week 1 Intrigue: Raiders Head East to Face Revamped Patriots
The Las Vegas Raiders will kick off their 2025 campaign on the road, traveling across the country to Foxborough to take on the new-look New England Patriots. This Week 1 matchup, scheduled for Sunday, September 7th, at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS, offers a fascinating look at two franchises embarking on new eras with familiar faces at the helm.
New Chapters, Familiar Faces
Both the Raiders and the Patriots enter 2025 with significant changes, particularly in their coaching staffs. The Raiders made a splash by bringing in Pete Carroll as their new head coach, reuniting him with quarterback Geno Smith, who was acquired via trade from the Seahawks.
In New England, the post-Bill Belichick era is fully underway with Mike Vrabel taking the reins as head coach.
Raiders: Building Around Smith and Jeanty
The Raiders are banking on the reunion of Carroll and Smith to ignite their offense. Smith, who enjoyed a Pro Bowl season under Carroll in Seattle, will look to lead a unit that struggled with consistency in 2024. A major focal point will be rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, drafted sixth overall, whom the Raiders intend to center their offense around, aiming to replicate the success of other teams with strong ground games.
Defensively, the Raiders will rely heavily on their front, with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins leading the charge. If Wilkins, who battled injuries in 2024, can return to full strength, the Raiders' defensive line could be one of the most disruptive in the league. The addition of linebackers Germaine Pratt and Elandon Roberts, along with safety Jeremy Chinn, aims to bolster a defense looking to improve its overall performance.
Patriots: A Rebuilt Roster Under Vrabel
The Patriots are focused on a rebuild under Vrabel, and their Week 1 performance will be a crucial early indicator of their progress. The offense will feature a retooled receiving corps, notably with the acquisition of veteran Stefon Diggs to be the top target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
On the defensive side, the Patriots will lean on a strong secondary led by Christian Gonzalez and new addition Carlton Davis III. The defensive line, anchored by Christian Barmore (if healthy after blood clot issues) and new faces like Milton Williams, will be key to establishing a physical identity. Vrabel's defensive prowess is expected to elevate a unit that has consistently been a strength for New England.
Key Matchups and Underlying Narratives
Geno Smith vs. Patriots' Revamped Defense: Smith's accuracy and decision-making will be tested by a potentially disruptive Patriots defense under Vrabel. How he handles pressure and utilizes his new offensive weapons will be critical.
Ashton Jeanty vs. Patriots' Front Seven: The highly touted rookie running back will face a stout Patriots run defense. His ability to establish the ground game will be vital for the Raiders' offensive success.
Drake Maye's Development: All eyes will be on Maye's progression in his second year. The Week 1 opener against a Carroll-led defense will be a significant test of his growth and chemistry with new receivers, particularly Stefon Diggs.
Coaching Clash: The game features a fascinating coaching matchup between the seasoned veteran Pete Carroll and the returning Mike Vrabel, both known for their strong leadership and defensive acumen.
This Week 1 clash between the Raiders and Patriots promises an intriguing blend of new beginnings and familiar faces. Both teams will be eager to start their seasons on a positive note, making this Sunday afternoon contest one to watch for NFL fans.
