It'll be a major change of pace for the Las Vegas Raiders to head down to New Orleans and take on the Saints in Week 3 after two games in front of home crowds on the West Coast. And in the Saints' home opener, in front of that raucous fanbase, escaping with a win will be no small task for Las Vegas.
The Raiders do have some distinct advantages heading into this one, but they'll be short a key player or two. Winning pivotal matchups will go a long way in Klint Kubiak beating his former employer and advancing his team to a 3-0 start to the 2026 NFL season.
Don't let the Saints' 1-1 record fool you, though - they are a freak play from being 2-0 and are one of the most resilient teams in the NFL. You can't count them out until the clock hits zero. As optimistic as we are here in Raider Nation, fans in the Big Easy have every right to be confident as well.
To continue with our food puns in reverence of New Orleans' incredible cuisine, we employed a ... sous chef? That can't be the right word. Anyway. We talked to Darrion Gray of WhoDatDish, our sister site that covers the Saints, to find some pearls of wisdom for this week's edition of Across the Bow.
Preview of Raiders-Saints in Week 3 with WhoDatDish's Darrion Gray
Q: This Saints team has been a bit inconsistent in the early going, but they come alive in the second half and the fourth quarter. The Raiders have played well with a lead thus far, so what does New Orleans need to do to get out to a faster start?
A: They have to execute better. Slow starts have become a staple for Kellen Moore, but there’s been a first quarter third down in each of the first two games where it just looked like a throw was a bit off. Those things don’t fall on the coach. If that play is converted, the Saints could get into their flow earlier than the second quarter or half.
Our take: It is paramount that the Raiders not only get off to a hot start and capitalize on New Orleans' early woes, but that they don't take their foot off the pedal and let them back in. The Saints are arguably more dangerous playing from behind, but Las Vegas has been good playing with a lead.
Q: Tyler Shough looks every bit like a franchise quarterback. How do you think he can cause problems for a Las Vegas defense that is playing well right now?
A: Handling the pressure has been one of Shough’s greatest strengths this year, and he frequently does it by extending plays. Vegas’ pass rush has been one of their best weapons this year, and while it may get to Shough, it won’t phase him for long. His poise and improvisation skills will make this a fun matchup to watch for 4 quarters.
Our take: As Al Davis would say, "the quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard." Pressuring Shough won't be enough; the Raiders have to get him on the ground and keep the Saints behind the sticks. That is easier said than done, but it must be at the top of the priority list.
Q: Kellen Moore's offense isn't running the ball too well at this juncture. What does the unit need to do to get the ground game going? Is it OL issues? RBs missing holes? Usage/play-calling?
A: It’s a lot of usage. The Saints haven’t been overly efficient, but they’ve underused their big free agent splash, Travis Etienne. As much as it’s struggled, it’s hard to look at Etienne getting less than 10 carries in both games and not criticize the usage. More runs could create a better rhythm.
Our take: Las Vegas really struggled when the Chargers lined up and ran at them, so the hope has to be that Rob Leonard's group figured something out this week, or that Moore and the Saints don't realize this on film. New Orleans has weapons, let's see if they use them.
Q: Brandon Staley's unit is playing well, but they've struggled against the run. How do you think they can stifle Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders' rushing attack?
A: Stopping Jeanty is going to be about limiting big plays and seeing if Kubiak will stick with it. That’s what they did against Derrick Henry. The linebackers are going to have to carry the brunt of that responsibility because the interior defensive line has struggled to stand firm at the point of attack.
Our take: Kubiak won't abandon the run, so that bodes well for the Silver & Black. And if mobile interior offensive lineman like Tyler Linderbaum and Jackson Powers-Johnson can climb to the second level to take on those linebackers, then the Raiders could run all over the Saints.
Q: Brock Bowers is likely to return this week. What do you think the Saints' game plan will be for slowing down the All-Pro TE?
A: Bowers provides a difficult challenge because the Raiders’ two tight end sets will push the Saints into more base defense to combat Vegas’ heaviness. I think Jonas Sanker has been sticky in coverage at the slot and is the best player to cover Bowers. It’s hard to predict the Saints will play light in the box even if they see it the same way. Then, the task would have to go to Kaden Elliss and Pete Werner. That’s the conundrum of having two good tight ends.
Our take: If Bowers does play, and I think he will, it sounds like he is the key to breaking down this New Orleans defense, whether he gets the ball or not. With all eyes on him, players like Michael Mayer and Tre Tucker can feast, and the run game will be all the more effective if they're worried about the pass.
Q: What do you think is the key to Las Vegas slowing down Chris Olave?
A: At this point, it’s unclear what it is. He’s improved his play strength, but getting physical with Olave still feels like the best bet to getting him off his game. Then the question becomes, how long will Kellen Moore allow that physicality to derail their top receiver before moving him around for free releases.
Our take: Olave could be a huge problem for a Raiders team that has run a lot of zone coverage and doesn't really have a press-man guy in the rotation, unless you count Jermod McCoy. Without Treydan Stukes patrolling deep and somewhat bracketing Olave, it could be a long day for Las Vegas.
Q: If you could, name one underrated player (or someone fans aren't talking about enough) on your roster that you think could cause problems for the Raiders on Sunday.
A: Because of the attention Olave has earned with his fantastic start, many have overlooked Devaughn Vele’s contributions to this offense. He’s earned the nickname 3rd and Vele because of how money he’s been on third down, specifically third and long. He’s been a big time player for the Saints, and his big frame makes him a reliable threat across the middle.
Our take: Vele is a great call, as he hasn't gotten his due for his contributions. Las Vegas will need to keep track of him, as he moves around the offense and can create mismatches if Leonard is not careful. Stopping Olave, Juwan Johnson and the run game is already enough. Vele is a beast too.
Q: With all the New Orleans-Las Vegas overlap, which former Raider do you see getting the most revenge on his former team in Week 3?
A: Daniel Carlson. Through 2 weeks, he’s given the Saints the consistency they’ve needed at kicker, and it would be sweet to see him make a game winner vs his former team.
Our take: Carlson is nothing if not clutch; Raider Nation knows that well. And of that group, he's definitely most likely to make a contribution. It'd more stomachable, too, to see him make one or two in a pivotal moment than to have Tyree Wilson or Decamerion Richardson finally come up big.
Q: Lastly, what is your final score prediction?
A: 27-17 Saints
Our take: New Orleans certainly has the upper hand in their home opener. But I think Kubiak and his team shock the world and win in the Superdome by a score of 31-27.
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