Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Patriots in 2022 Week 15

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Patriots in 2022 Week 15

Mistake-free football

The Patriots rallied to hand a Kyler Murray-less Cardinals a 27-13 loss last week, but the win did not come off the back of a strong offensive performance. Instead, as is typical with a Belichick-led Patriots team, their victory was a result of a strong defense and special team performance. New England thrives off takeaway opportunities, and Las Vegas can’t fall victim on Sunday.

New England ranks fifth in the NFL with an average of 1.6 takeaways per game, and when playing on the road that number bumps up to 2.0 takeaways per contest, which is the best mark in the league. Beating themselves has largely been an Achilles heel of the Raiders, and avoiding this habit means better play from the likes of Derek Carr.

Carr’s 36.9 passer rating last week was highlighted by two interceptions thrown. While the second one came on a last-ditch attempt in the closing seconds, the former was due to terrible-decision making in the red zone. That interception is what you expect from a rookie quarterback, but Carr is a seasoned veteran. Playing mistake-free football, starting under center, will be vital to swing the momentum in the Raiders’ favor.