The Patriots are just a few hours from kickoff for their 2025 season-opening game against the Raiders and are already dealing with some less-than-favorable factors that will ultimately play a significant role in how the game unfolds.
The weather will inevitably be a third team on the field this afternoon, as rain is projected until later this evening. That certainly benefits the Patriots, who don't play in a dome, which cannot be said about the Raiders. However, it also means that the Patriots' defense will need to be prepared, and shutting down a player like rookie Ashton Jeanty won't be an easy task.
There was some belief that the same could be said about New England's own exciting rookie, wide receiver Efton Chism III, but the team already ruled him out of Sunday's contest.
Patriots inactives for #LVvsNE. pic.twitter.com/hh7zxYjQde
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 7, 2025
While it makes sense, given the number of receivers the team was likely to have active for today's game, it's slightly disappointing after how excited fans were to see his NFL debut.
Efton Chism III gets the Week 1 healthy scratch treatment for Patriots vs. Raiders
Throughout training camp and the preseason, Chism caught the attention of almost every analyst and fan in the New England area. He even began to be on the radar for other teams, as he was also on a desired roster list for a Canadian football team.
His impressive summer showing is what led to the undrafted free agent making this year's team and prompting a lot of excitement around what the improved receiving corps could accomplish alongside Drake Maye's second NFL season.
Fortunately, although Chism won't be on the field, the quarterback should have a much easier time with his job this season, now that he has players like Stefon Diggs and rookie Kyle Williams to work with. And that doesn't include the projected jump of production from Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas, both of whom stood out during the offseason in their own ways.
It will be a fascinating day to see how the offense performs under the watchful eye of Josh McDaniels, who sat out the 2024 season after the Raiders released him the previous year. This could be a revenge game for the OC, and taking home the early W would be a great way to start his comeback.