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Power Rankings: Raiders on the rise after win in New England

Current ranking: 23

Previous ranking: 25

Analysis: "Not a bad Raiders debut for Geno Smith, eh? Even with the early pick against the Patriots, he regained command, withstood several hits and four sacks and did what he needed to do in a 362-yard outing -- with Brock Bowers on the sideline at game's end. Ashton Jeanty didn't have a lot of room to run, but he was pretty forceful in a few key short-yardage situations. Defensively, the Raiders were pretty outstanding, patching a few leaky holes early. It wasn't the cleanest game of all time, and the pass-protection issues need to be ironed out, but the energy and toughness were notable upgrades in Pete Carroll's debut. I have at least one eye on this team."

Current ranking: 21

Previous ranking: 25

Analysis: "[Devin] White came to Las Vegas on a mission to prove he can still play at a high level. His Raider debut was an encouraging performance, as he had a team-high 11 tackles and a pressure. The former Buc was effective in the run game, collecting eight run tackles and a pair of run stuffs. Normally, White is the Raiders' weakside linebacker. But when Elandon Roberts sprained his elbow, he played snaps at middle linebacker as well."

Current ranking: 23

Previous ranking: 28

Analysis: "Pete Carroll and Geno Smith got off to a good start with the road victory against the Patriots. They might be fun to watch on offense with Chip Kelly running things."

Current ranking: 20

Previous ranking: 18

Analysis: "Geno Smith was slinging it. The Raiders hit nine passes of 20 yards or more en route to Smith's 362 passing yards against a beleaguered New England secondary. Just wait until Ashton Jeanty and the running game inevitably get rolling. This was a nice restart for Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll."

Current ranking: 19

Previous ranking: 24

Analysis: "Geno Smith was great in Week 1. He threw for 362 yards with an astonishing nine passes of 20 or more yards. The Raiders brought in Pete Carroll and Smith to upgrade the competitiveness of the franchise, and it looks like they'll do that."

Current ranking: 23

Previous ranking: 25

Analysis: "For Las Vegas to open the season with a road win in New England against a comparable AFC opponent bodes well for this team's outlook. New quarterback Geno Smith shouldered the load when his run game wasn't much help. Las Vegas needs to clean up its pass protection and run game, because Smith can't be asked to be the hero every week. But this Week 1 performance from Smith, in particular, makes me optimistic about the Raiders in coming weeks."

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Current ranking: 18

Previous ranking: 22

Analysis: "While the Raiders didn't exactly blow out the Patriots, who were one of the NFL's worst teams in 2024, they had to feel good leaving New England. Cross-country trips are never easy, and Pete Carroll had his squad prepared."

Current ranking: 22

Previous ranking: 25

Analysis: "Underestimate QB Geno Smith at your own peril. He was a very impressive 24 of 34 for 362 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception."

View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

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