It’s the dawn of a new era for two legendary NFL franchises. Both of them bring in experienced head coaches who found success with other programs before landing their new roles in 2025. Pete Carroll and his Las Vegas Raiders will head to Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday to face off with Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots. Let’s preview and make a few predictions for the Raiders at Patriots.
Pete Carroll comes to the Raiders, bringing plenty of experience with him. Not only his own, but that of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and quarterback Geno Smith. Smith, of course, spent the last few seasons as Carroll’s quarterback in Seattle. They added the explosive Ashton Jeanty with their first pick in the NFL Draft, and former Patriot Jakobi Meyers remains with the team after initially requesting a trade. Amari Cooper abruptly retired once again earlier this week.
New England fixed their mistake from two years ago and hired Mike Vrabel to lead the program he once won Super Bowls as a player. He takes over for year two of Drake Maye as Josh McDaniels returns to be the Patriots’ offensive coordinator once again. New England drafted their own flashy rookie running back, TreVeyon Henderson. Stefon Diggs comes in to help lead what has been a struggling wide receiver room. The Patriots will be without corner Christian Gonzalez this week.
Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots Preview and Predictions
Drake Maye Over 29.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
Maye proved to be a solid runner of the ball last year, even with no offensive line to protect him. They haven’t completely fixed the line, and their rookie left tackle is questionable this week. But it’s still much better than it was. Maye went over this total in three of his last four games in 2024 and nine times in 12 games eclipsed 24 rushing yards. He’s said he plans to put a bigger focus on using his legs in 2025, and it’s a weapon that’ll come in handy on Sunday.
Drake Maye ran for 421 yards in 11 games played last year.
That same production over 17 games would have put him at 650 for the year- 3rd best behind Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels.
Rushing upside + new coaching staff + new weapons.
Draft Drake Maye this weekend. pic.twitter.com/mb5LJ57eRC
— Lobo (@LobosFFDen) August 30, 2025
New England Patriots -2.5 (-110)
Just under a field goal in an even matchup at home is just about the right number in this one. I simply trust Mike Vrabel, Josh McDaniels, and Drake Maye more at home this week than I do the Raiders, who have players quitting the team midway through game week preparation. This should be a fun, old-school grind-it-out game. But give me the home team to come out on top.
