Early look at the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 schedule against the spread
By Evan Groat
Week 1: Raiders @ Panthers (PK)
In Week 1, the Raiders travel across the country to face the new look Carolina Panthers who, for the first time in a long time, will not have Cam Newton under center and Ron Rivera on the sideline. Matt Rhule makes the jump from the college ranks and Teddy Bridgewater came over in free agency.
The key for the Raiders will be slowing down all-world running back, Christian McCaffrey who can get it done as a runner as well as a receiver. Luke Kuechly, surprisingly retired in the offseason for the Panthers so look for the Raiders to use their big offensive line to pound the ball with Josh Jacobs.
Week 2: Saints (-4.5) @ Raiders
The Raiders will open Allegiant Stadium in style in primetime on Monday Night Football against contenders to reach the Super Bowl from the NFC, New Orleans Saints. The young secondary will have it’s hands full trying to slow down one of the games best wide receivers in Michael Thomas, along with Emmanuel Sanders, and Jared Cook.
New Raiders linebacker, Cory Littleton will earn his money dealing with Alvin Kamara out of the backfield. Rightfully so, the Raiders are home dogs versus the Saints, but you never know what can happen under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
Week 3: Raiders @ Patriots (-4.5)
Back on the road in Week 3, the Raiders will travel to Foxborough to face Jarrett Stidham and the New England Patriots. Wait, who…yes that’s right Jarrett Stidham is in line to be the heir-apparent to the arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time, Tom Brady.
Yes, it is a road game, and Bill Belichick is still roaming the sidelines for the Pats, but it seems like a stretch to have a team who struggled offensively with Tom Brady last year who are now without him, as the early favorites in this game.
Week 4: Bills @ Raiders (PK)
In the third straight week against a playoff team from the 2019 season, the Raiders welcome in the Buffalo Bills to Sin City in week four. Bills quarterback Josh Allen made some plays with his legs last year, but still has a ways to go as a passer.
The Bills are built around a strong defense, and Derek Carr and his new weapons will need to score some points and force Josh Allen to beat them with his arm. This one is going to go down to the wire.