Ladies and gentlemen, the NFL season is upon us with the Las Vegas Raiders returning. Finally, football is here to rescue us from the long, boring summers that leave us nothing but scraps in the sports world. Additionally, it means that your weekends will be booked for football viewing.
The Raiders have heightened expectations after finishing last in the AFC West last season. A 4-13 record didn’t inspire much confidence for the future, specifically with the AFC champions and two other playoff teams.
The first team on the docket? The New England Patriots. Formerly an NFL superpower, the AFC East franchise is searching for those glory days with Tom Brady. Lo and behold, he’s with the Raiders now, running that team to return to its own glorious past.
Who wins in a “Tuck Rule” rematch? Will Las Vegas get its revenge from that fateful game that still lives in infamy? Or does New England come out on top?
What Should Las Vegas Raiders Fans Know About the Patriots?
Numerous experts are high on what Drake Maye can do as a quarterback. Last season, he threw for 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions (13 games played). He also completed 66.6% of his passes. However, he was also behind an opaque offensive line, where he was sacked 34 times.
That could be Maxx Crosby’s cue to take over the game and cause havoc all day. If he can take control of the edge and get tremendous pressure on Maye, that could lead to a Raiders win.
Additionally, the rushing defense was an issue for the Patriots. They allowed 131.4 rushing yards per game, “good” for 23rd in the NFL. That’s Ashton Jeanty’s cue to attack a weak front seven and do serious damage to New England.
Who Wins? Las Vegas Or New England?
This game has the potential to be a shootout. Neither team is the strongest defensively, while having respectable offensive attacks. Furthermore, Maye and Geno Smith have the potential to light up the scoreboard.
However, some people are buying stock in the Patriots this season and with good reason. Maye looks good under center and has some help offensively. That includes Stefon Diggs, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Hunter Henry.
I’m going with the Patriots for a 34-31 win on a last-second field goal. It’ll be a challenge to get the necessary stops if you’re Las Vegas. However, it’ll be even tougher if you’re on the road.
Featured Articles
Featured Writers
