Patriots favored over Raiders as Vrabel, Carroll make coaching debuts in Week 1 showdown
The 2025 NFL season kicks off with an intriguing matchup as Mike Vrabel’s New England Patriots host Pete Carroll’s Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, with both legendary coaches making their debuts with new teams after disappointing 4-13 campaigns in 2024.
Coaching carousel brings fresh perspectives
The Week 1 clash features two of the NFL’s most respected coaches beginning new chapters. Carroll, who previously coached the Patriots from 1997-99, returns to Foxborough for the first time as an opposing head coach. Meanwhile, Vrabel, the former Patriots linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion, takes the helm of his former team after a successful stint with the Tennessee Titans.
Adding intrigue to the matchup, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels faces the Raiders for the first time since being fired as their head coach midway through the 2023 season. Several players on both rosters have connections to the opposing franchise, including Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers and Patriots defenders Robert Spillane and Marcus Epps.
Expert predictions favor home team
National media experts largely favor the Patriots in this evenly-matched contest:
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Patriots 24, Raiders 20 “Drake Maye gets to operate in a much improved offense with his personnel and scheming from former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. Mike Vrabel also will work to get the defense to overachieve at home.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Patriots 20, Raiders 18 “A couple fun coaching debuts here with Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll, two coaches who know how to lean on the running game.”
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Patriots 21, Raiders 17 “Is Drake Maye ready to take a step forward for the Patriots? New England had a busy offseason trying to put him in a position to succeed.”
John Breech, CBS Sports: Patriots 23, Raiders 16
ESPN’s panel of experts also leans heavily toward New England, with Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, and Seth Wickersham picking the Patriots, while only Kalyn Kahler backs the Raiders.
Key matchups to watch
The game features several compelling storylines, including the battle between second-year quarterback Drake Maye and veteran Geno Smith, who joined the Raiders via trade this offseason. Both teams will showcase rookie running backs, with the Raiders’ Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty facing off against the Patriots’ TreVeyon Henderson.
Defensively, all eyes will be on Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby’s ability to pressure Maye, who struggled last season when taking three or more sacks, going 0-6 in such games. The Patriots’ revamped offensive line, featuring new addition Stefon Diggs at receiver, will be tested early.
Betting lines reflect close contest
The Patriots opened as 2.5 to 3-point favorites, with the total set at 43.5 points. The relatively low total reflects both teams’ offensive struggles last season, as they ranked 29th and 30th in points per game and near the bottom in red zone efficiency.
Early betting analysis suggests taking the Raiders with the points, particularly given Carroll’s 11-7 career record in season openers and his history of success as an underdog. The Raiders have covered in recent matchups against AFC East opponents, going 15-5 to the over in their last 20 such games.
Season outlook begins in Foxborough
Both franchises enter 2025 with renewed optimism after extensive offseason overhauls. The Raiders added weapons for Smith including tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Amari Cooper, while the Patriots focused on surrounding Maye with better protection and playmakers.
The outcome could set the tone for both teams’ seasons. With relatively favorable early schedules, the winner gains valuable momentum while the loser faces immediate questions about their rebuild progress.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 7, marking the beginning of what both fan bases hope will be a return to relevance after challenging 2024 campaigns.
Image Sources: https://sports.yahoo.com/article/england-patriots-vs-las-vegas-130205767.html
Category: Sports
Subcategory: Professional Football
Date: 09/2/2025
