Raiders (2-0) at Patriots (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Patriots by 6 1⁄
2
Raiders’ keys to victory: Las Vegas DEs Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby need to play with discipline on the edge. It’s tempting for pass rushers to fire away at the quarterback, but QB Cam Newton will take advantage of players who overcommit to racking up sacks. Ferrell and Crosby will be tasked with keeping Newton inside the pocket. Offensively, the weight will fall on RB Josh Jacobs.
Patriots’ keys to victory: This game might be a good opportunity for Newton to air out the ball, with heavy targets for WRs Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry. New England’s defense would be wise to force QB Derek Carr to make plays, particularly in the red zone, where Vegas has been hugely reliant upon Jacobs. The Patriots could force Carr to throw for touchdowns and see if he makes mistakes. If he’s throwing into New England’s star-studded secondary, led by S Devin McCourty and CB Stephon Gilmore, Carr is likely to err.
Matchup to watch: Raiders CB Trayvon Mullen vs. Patriots’ Harry. It’s not clear which cornerback will take Edelman or Harry. But let’s guess that Mullen, the Raiders’ biggest corner at 6-foot-2, will take on Harry, the Patriots’ biggest wideout at 6-foot-4. Edelman will likely get solid production, but New England will need a boost in the passing game beyond him.
Who wins? The Raiders have shown they are still young and inexperienced. New England has shown enough polish, even amid offseason turnover, to be the clear favorite for this matchup.
Patriots, 31-27