In some ways, the Las Vegas Raiders could be this year's version of the 2025 Patriots. While the undefeated start ended last week against the Chiefs, the Raiders proved they are dangerous with quarterback Kirk Cousins and have a real chance to make a playoff run. The Patriots' 2026 season didn't get off to a solid start, with immediate questions about schedule favorability fueling last year's Super Bowl run.
In 2025, their turning point ended up being an early-season win against the Buffalo Bills, and it looks like that could be the case this season, too. The Patriots went into Highmark Stadium and gave the Bills their first defeat of the year. New England now sits at 2-2, and a win against the well-performing Raiders would show the game against Buffalo was not a fluke.
The Patriots have been without AJ Brown, who suffered an injury in week one and was placed on IR. Drake Maye seemed to find a much-needed rhythm last week, with players like Efton Chism stepping up. They will need more of that this week if they want to win.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 11 | Time: 1 p.m. ETLocation: Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, MA)TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+Follow: CBS Sports AppOdds: Patriots -3.5, O/U 45.5 (via DraftKings) Patriots O-line vs. Maxx Crosby: Crosby ranks fourth in the NFL with 25 pressures and has two sacks and a forced fumble.
The Raiders are second in QB pressure rate at 35.6%. The Patriots have allowed 10 sacks so far this season. Crosby will get to Maye at least once, but keeping No. 10's jersey relatively clean will be key for the Patriots.
Maye needs to keep up the confidence from last week, and to do so, he needs time to make plays happen without pressure, which is when he's been forcing bad throws that lead to turnovers. Key injuries: The Patriots will be without cornerback Christian Gonzalez for another week. They managed to restrict Josh Allen's offense enough to get the win, even without him and Christian Barmore last week.
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