The Las Vegas Raiders head into their 2025 season opener with renewed purpose and veteran leadership as Pete Carroll officially begins his tenure as head coach, bringing a culture of discipline and defensive focus to a team that finished just 4–13 last season. After cycling through quarterbacks in recent years, the Raiders added stability under center by acquiring veteran Geno Smith, whose efficient play and poise in the pocket are expected to bring balance and leadership to a young offense still searching for cohesion. Alongside Smith is rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic and versatile back drafted to ignite a stagnant rushing attack and provide a legitimate three-down option that can shoulder volume or contribute in the passing game. Carroll has emphasized a balanced offensive approach, leaning on Jeanty’s ability to break tackles and Davante Adams’ route-running excellence to keep defenses honest. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has tailored a quick-read passing scheme to reduce Geno’s exposure behind a still-developing offensive line, which includes promising young linemen like Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze. The Raiders’ offensive ceiling will depend largely on how quickly the line gels and how well Smith can exploit favorable matchups against a Patriots defense that has been reshaped but may still be vulnerable to veteran manipulation.

Defensively, the Raiders remain anchored by star edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who will be counted on to generate consistent pressure against New England’s rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Tyree Wilson also returns with elevated expectations, and the defensive interior, while less proven, has the potential to grow under Carroll’s tutelage. Las Vegas’ secondary is a point of concern, particularly if they fail to generate early pressure, but Carroll’s influence could foster stronger communication and discipline on the back end. Linebacker play, led by Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, needs to improve in both coverage and run fits, especially against an opponent that will likely emphasize short passing and physicality at the point of attack. Special teams is another area where the Raiders are looking for steadiness, with Daniel Carlson providing one of the league’s most reliable legs but return units still under evaluation. Entering Gillette Stadium as 2.5-point underdogs, the Raiders will need to establish tempo early, protect the football, and limit Maye’s ability to find a rhythm through play-action or misdirection. Carroll’s squads historically emphasize fundamental execution, which should help reduce penalties and improve situational football—a weakness that plagued Las Vegas late in games last year. If Geno Smith can orchestrate long, sustained drives and the defense can rattle Maye into mistakes, the Raiders have a clear path to not only covering the spread but possibly stealing a season-opening win. The betting market has shown early support for the Raiders, a sign that oddsmakers and sharps alike view this as a competitive matchup with live underdog potential. A strong showing in Foxborough would send a clear message that the Raiders are ready to compete immediately under Carroll’s direction and are no longer content being an AFC West afterthought.