Raiders' matchup poses massive threat Patriots might not have answer to

"The start of the 2025 NFL season is just days away, with the Patriots well on their way in preparation for welcoming the Raiders for their Week 1 matchup. It's a game that already has plenty of headlines to write, with perhaps the most notable being Tom Brady's ownership stake in the AFC West team taking on the team he led to unimaginable success for nearly two decades."

"Based on who the Raiders have lost this offseason, like wide receiver Davante Adams, there might be reason to believe the Patriots have a slight edge. But they also managed to draft the most explosive running back of the 2025 class in the first round by selecting Ashton Jeanty. That will pose a significant threat to the Patriots' defensive line, which has not been particularly effective at stopping the run. That could be all that it takes to derail their efforts on Sunday."

"Going into this season, there isn't a lot of optimism surrounding the Raiders' chances, mostly because they're in the AFC West with the Chiefs and they have made several significant changes to their roster and front office, including hiring Pete Carroll as their new head coach. They will be starting a new quarterback under center, too, with Geno Smith and hope that an Amari Cooper and Jakobi Meyers-led receiving corps will be a strong group."

The Patriots enter Week 1 as slight favorites while preparing to host the Raiders, a matchup colored by Tom Brady's ownership stake in the opposing AFC West team. The Raiders lost key players this offseason, including Davante Adams, but drafted Ashton Jeanty, the 2025 class's most explosive running back, creating a major challenge for New England's run defense. The Raiders also underwent coaching and roster changes, hiring Pete Carroll and starting Geno Smith at quarterback, supplemented by receivers Amari Cooper and Jakobi Meyers and tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, any of whom can pressure the Patriots' defense.

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