Las Vegas Raiders 2020 Opponent Review: New England Patriots
Why the Raiders Will Win
The Raiders haven’t recorded a victory against the Patriots since November 17, 2002, a 27-20 victory. Five straight losses over eight years is a significant sample size, but it is noteworthy to acknowledge that it was during the Brady-Belichick era.
In Week 3, Tom Brady will no longer be under center, but anybody would be wise to not count out Belichick by any means.
Even without Brady, New England still has respectable threats in Julian Edelman and Sony Michel, as well as having the home-field advantage when they meet Las Vegas. Last season, the Raiders went 2-6 in games on the road (granted, their victory in London, in essence, should count as a road victory). Ultimately, Las Vegas has to be able to execute on the road to make a jump in 2020.
Derek Carr has a ton of weapons, this season, as as one of the few remaining from a stacked 2014 draft class, he is the leader of this team. Las Vegas brought back their entire offensive line in 2020, and brought in some dynamic playmakers, so the Raiders should be able to score against anybody.
Next. 5 UDFAs with best shot of making Raiders roster. dark
With a more experienced quarterback under center, a plethora of new and returning weapons on offense, and a defense re-shaped through free agency, it’s up to Jon Gruden to outmaneuver whatever gameplan Bill Belichick conjures up. Week 3 will be their second in a row against a Hall of Fame quarterback, as they take on Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, and they come away with the victory on the road.