Big Brock
Week 1 is our first chance to see what Brock Bowers will do in his sophomore campaign.
After being named First-Team All-Pro as a rookie, he's continued to impress in training camp as one of Geno Smith's top targets. This Sunday, Bowers needs to log two receptions to mark his 18th consecutive game with multiple catches – which would make it the fourth longest streak to start a career in NFL history among tight ends.
Additionally with eight receptions, he'll pass Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle for the second most receptions through 18 career games in NFL history - trailing only Odell Beckham Jr. Last season, Bowers recorded seven games with at least eight receptions.
Status of Patriots' star cornerback
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez is ruled out of Sunday's game with an hamstring injury. He's one of their top performers on defense, having led the Patriots in pass deflections (11) and interceptions (two) in 2024.
With the absence of Gonzalez, the Patriots will likely deploy Carlton Davis to cover the likes of Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. Davis was one of the Patriots' top free agent signings, recording 11 pass deflections and two interceptions for the Detroit Lions last season. They'll also lean on Marcus Jones, who was second on the team in pass deflections (10) in 2024 behind Gonzalez.
Dealing with "The Condor"
Another injury that could affect the Patriots in this contest is 2025 first-round pick Will Campbell, who was added to the practice report Thursday with an ankle injury. He was a limited participant in Thursday and Friday's practices and was ruled questionable to play.
Whether Campbell plays, or veteran Vederian Lowe steps up in his place, they'll have a hard time going up against Maxx Crosby. The Raiders' star edge rusher will appear in his first game since Week 14 of last season.
With two tackles for loss against the Patriots, Crosby would notch his 28th career game with multiple TFLs, the second most in the NFL since he was drafted in 2019. Despite missing five games in 2024, Crosby logged in 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
A familiar opponent
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has obvious history with the Las Vegas Raiders, having served as head coach for a season and a half.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who McDaniels brought to the Raiders, will be tasked with game planning against McDaniels' scheme.
"He's one of the best competitors I've ever been around, one of the smartest coaches I've ever been around," Graham said. "Understands all three facets of the game. Appreciative of him bringing me out here, when he brought me out here, and then the things I learned from him. He's a great football coach, better person. Has a great family and just happy to see him coaching again because, I mean, the guy can coach ball. He can coach ball."
This will be his 14th season as the Patriots offensive coordinator, and first under Mike Vrabel. In McDaniels' tenure with the Raiders, he went 9-16.
"We know it will be a big challenge," McDaniels said of the Week 1 matchup. "It's a good team with a lot of good players and obviously the unknown of how much is Pete's influence with Pat and Pat's influence with Pete. They have a really good coaching staff, a lot of experience. So, it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds like it is on most opening days."
Receiver room gets Shorter, literally and metaphorically
Amari Cooper's return to the Raiders was short-lived, as the five-time Pro Bowl receiver retired from football, the team announced Friday.
"It's unfortunate because I think the world of him," Chip Kelly said Thursday. "I think that he's a heck of a football player, has had a heck of an NFL career, but he knows in his heart what he wants to do. So, I wish him the best. I've always been a big fan of his."
With Cooper's retirement, Justin Shorter was signed to the active roster from the practice squad. This is his second season with the Raiders after playing 10 games at tight end in 2024. Now under Carroll, the 6-foot-4, 227 pounder returns back to receiver and could potentially see some reps in New England this weekend.
Reversing misfortunes at Gillette
The Las Vegas Raiders have had their fair share of battles with the Patriots over the years, including three notable playoff matchups since 1976.
However, the Raiders are one of seven NFL teams that have never won a game at Gillette Stadium. The last time the Silver and Black traveled to Foxborough in 2020, they suffered a 36-20 defeat.
The Raiders are hopeful to leave only six teams on that list after Sunday and extend their winning streak against the Patriots to three games.
As the Raiders prepare for their Week 1 away game against the New England Patriots, take a look back at photos from their past matchups.
A copy of the program for the Raiders regular season away game against the Boston Patriots at Boston University Field, Friday, November 17, 1961.
A copy of the program for the Raiders regular season home game against the Boston Patriots at Candlestick Park, Saturday, December 9, 1961.
A copy of the program for the Raiders regular season home game against the Boston Patriots at Frank Youell Field, Sunday, September 22, 1963.
A copy of the program for the Raiders regular season home game against the Boston Patriots at Frank Youell Field, Sunday, September 13, 1964.
Oakland Raiders tight end Dave Casper (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Schaefer Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 1976.
Oakland Raiders running back Clarence Davis (28) rushes during the Divisional Round home game against the New England Patriots at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1976.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) looks for a receiver during the Divisional Round home game against the New England Patriots at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1976.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the Divisional Round home game against the New England Patriots at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1976.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the AFC Divisional Round home playoff game against the New England Patriots at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, December 18, 1976.
Los Angeles Raider defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (32) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Sullivan Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 1985.
Los Angeles Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a t-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 29, 1985.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Marc Wilson (6) pitches the ball to running back Marcus Allen (32) during the AFC Divisional Round postseason home game against the New England Patriots at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 5, 1986.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Divisional Round postseason home game against the New England Patriots at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 5, 1986.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Brad Van Pelt (91) makes a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round postseason home game against the New England Patriots at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 5, 1986.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive back Fulton Walker (41) returns a kick during the AFC Divisional Round postseason home game against the New England Patriots at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 5, 1986.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) makes a catch during the preseason home game against the New England Patriots at Stanford Stadium, Friday, August 25, 1995.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) looks over the defense before the snap during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2008.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) passes during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 26, 1989.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Aundray Bruce (99) makes a tackle during the preseason home game against the New England Patriots at Stanford Stadium, Friday, August 25, 1995.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 2002.
Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, September 8, 2005.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, September 8, 2005.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Chris Carr (23) returns a kick during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, September 8, 2005.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2008.
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2008.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Gibril Wilson (28) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2008.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Trevor Scott (91) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2008.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 14, 2008.
A look back at the matchups through the years between the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots.
Oakland Raiders tight end Kevin Boss (87) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 7, 2011.
Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 7, 2011.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell (8) passes during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 7, 2011.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) stiff arms the defender during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 7, 2011.
Oakland Raiders running back Marcel Reece (45) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) goes up for a catch during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Oakland Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) returns a punt during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Oakland Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) makes a tackle during the game against the New England Patriots at Estadio Azteca, Sunday, November 19, 2017, in Mexico City, Mexico.
Oakland Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph (42) makes a tackle during the game against the New England Patriots at Estadio Azteca, Sunday, November 19, 2017, in Mexico City, Mexico.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the game against the New England Patriots at Estadio Azteca, Sunday, November 19, 2017, in Mexico City, Mexico.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) returns an intercepts during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) goes up for a catch during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes as Las Vegas Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks during the regular season away game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) sacks the quarterback during the preseason home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Friday, August 26, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) runs after making a catch during the preseason home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Friday, August 26, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) receives the snap during the preseason home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Friday, August 26, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), linebacker Denzel Perryman (52), safety Roderic Teamer (33), cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and cornerback Tyler Hall (37) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 12-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
