Las Vegas Review-Journal reporters and editors have made their picks for the Raiders' Sunday matchup against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Raiders enter the game as 3½-point underdogs following their first loss of the season to the Kansas City Chiefs, though the team gained national respect and climbed in several NFL power rankings despite the defeat.
Staff predictions are divided. Some forecasters expect a close contest decided on the final possession, with the Patriots avenging last year's loss after appearing to get back on track against Buffalo. Others argue the Raiders have been playing better football and are "for real," comparing them favorably to the 2025 Patriots while noting New England's susceptibility to turnovers against a Las Vegas defense leading the league in takeaways.
Injury concerns loom large for the Raiders' offense. Running back Ashton Jeanty has been dealing with an ankle injury and was limited in practice Thursday by a foot issue, leaving his status uncertain. The receiving corps is also depleted, as Dont'e Thornton Jr. remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and will not be activated, though the team opened his practice window Wednesday.
With Thornton sidelined, rookie Malik Benson, a training camp standout from Oregon, is in line for increased offensive snaps. Head coach Klint Kubiak and quarterback Kirk Cousins addressed the media in Henderson ahead of the trip, with the offensive line acknowledging it must improve for the running game to thrive under Kubiak's scheme.
The 38-year-old Cousins has reportedly lightened the mood in the meeting room, with references to "Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor" and a 1995 movie highlighting an age gap between the quarterback and his younger teammates.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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