This is your comprehensive guide to the Las Vegas Raiders pre-game primer. Each week, we will compile all the essential information you need to prepare for watching the Raiders in one convenient location. This will include injury updates, predictions, gambling and fantasy advice, and much more. Now, let’s dive in!
Vibes Check
There is tentative optimism surrounding the Raiders heading into week one. The team is much improved, but some concerns remain. New quarterback Geno Smith and head coach Pete Carroll appear to be massive upgrades over their predecessors. However, the offensive line and secondary struggled throughout the preseason.
To kick off the regular season, the Raiders travel to New England to take on the Patriots. They are also a team with a ton of optimism after a rough 2024 season. New head coach Mike Vrabel has brought in a ton of new faces both on the roster and on the coaching staff. One of those coaches happens to be former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, who returns to New England to help further develop quarterback Drake Maye as he is coming off of a strong rookie campaign.
Injury News
There was not really anything major to report up until the end of the week. Then, the news broke that Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez will be out with a hamstring injury. While this is obviously a huge loss for New England, it particularly helps Las Vegas because of how much their thin wide receiver corps can make it simple for one guy to shut them down.
Fantasy Focus
Outside of the obvious Raiders to start, such as Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, keep an eye on Jakobi Meyers. The Gonzalez injury makes him a viable flex option. Speaking of flex options, Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson could be a valuable play in PPR formats against the Raiders’ slow linebackers.
Gamblin’ Corner
Las Vegas offers some really great moneyline value this week. DraftKings has them at +124, which is pretty solid for what feels like a toss-up game. Another play to look at is over 44.5 total points at -108. Given the lack of talent in both secondaries, we could end up with a shootout.
Expectations for Raiders Fans
Raider Nation has every right to be expecting a Week 1 victory. This team is vastly improved from last season, and they are not exactly playing a very tough team in New England. That being said, prepare for some growing pains as well. The current setup is a completely new offensive scheme, and the defensive roster has changed significantly from last season. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Raiders start off slowly. If that occurs, the outcome of the game could be unpredictable.
Final Prediction: Raiders 30, Patriots 26
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*Top Photo: Wade Vandervort /Las Vegas Sun