While the Patriots did finish 4-13 last season, Vegas actually would have said that was a much better season than expected. Despite ending the season as the fourth-worst team in football, they were initially considered the worst at the beginning of last season, having been favored in zero games.
Now, the team is favored by a field goal in their Week 1 matchup against the Raiders, according to SportsLine.
We know there's been plenty of changes on the Patriots' side of things, but the Raiders have some new faces of their own. Like the Patriots, they brought in an experienced head coach in Pete Carroll, and selected a running back with one of their top picks in the draft through Ashton Jeanty.
Veteran Geno Smith will be the man under center for 2025 after they sent a third-round pick to Seattle for him. Amari Cooper was recently signed, perhaps to replace Jakobi Meyers, who just requested a trade.
The Raiders' last season was disappointing, but their offense is now nothing to scoff at. With an experienced play caller, a top-five pick in the backfield, Brock Bowers as the tight end, and a pair of proven receivers (for now), they have all the potential to finish far better than their 29th PPG finish last year.
There will be a lot of former players from each team suiting up in this game, which could be a factor in one way or another
Both teams feature a handful of former players from each other, adding an interesting storyline to the matchup. Jakobi Meyers is the most notable offensive Patriot-turned-Raider, but their defense also features DT Adam Butler and LB Elandon Roberts. Familiar foe Jamal Adams, now more linebacker than safety, also now sports the black and silver.
On the other hand, Patriots OC Josh McDaniels famously flopped during his time as the Raiders' head coach from 2018-23. The Patriots offense features WR Mack Hollins, who had his best statistical year with the Raiders, and Austin Hooper, who spent 2023 in Vegas.
Defensively, the team brought in a pair of players who spent last season with the Raiders: former-first-round pick K'Lavon Chaisson and hard-hitting Robert Spillane. Safety Marcus Epps was also signed, but did not make the final 53-man roster.
All in all, each team has plenty of reasons to be fired up for this matchup. From top to bottom, this looks like it will be a fascinating game and gauge for the rest of the 2025 season.