NFL Preseason Kicks Off with AFC Showdown in the Desert
The NFL returns to action as the 🏈 Patriots at Raiders headline an exciting slate of games for Preseason Week 1. Scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, with a 1:00 PM ET kickoff, this AFC duel will take place under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Although preseason games don’t count in the standings, they’re far from meaningless. The New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders both enter the 2025 season at turning points in their franchise journeys. The Patriots are ushering in a new era post-Bill Belichick with fresh offensive concepts, while the Raiders are focused on building chemistry around a new quarterback and establishing identity under head coach Antonio Pierce.
Let’s dive into everything fans need to know about the upcoming 🏈 Patriots at Raiders matchup—from depth chart battles and coaching strategies to key matchups, player analysis, and final predictions.
📅 Game Details
- Matchup: 🏈 Patriots at Raiders
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network (national), CBS (regional)
- Streaming Options: NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu Live, fuboTV
- Radio Broadcast: 98.5 The Sports Hub (Boston), Raider Nation Radio 920 AM
- Tickets: as low as $202
🏟️ Allegiant Stadium: The Las Vegas Experience
Las Vegas will be electric as Allegiant Stadium opens its gates for another season. Known for its stunning architecture and raucous crowd, the stadium provides the perfect backdrop for this high-stakes preseason game.
- Fan Entry: Gates open 2.5 hours before kickoff
- Parking: Lots open 4 hours prior to game time
- Features: Black Hole fan zone, tailgating sections, and in-stadium entertainment
- Policies: Digital tickets only, clear bag policy enforced
🏈 Patriots at Raiders: What’s at Stake?
Preseason Week 1 games are often about discovery, not domination. While the stars may only play a series or two, this game carries weight for roster decisions, offensive rhythm, and quarterback evaluations.
The Patriots, in their first full year without Belichick, are turning a new page under head coach Jerod Mayo and new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Meanwhile, the Raiders are settling into their identity under Antonio Pierce, with quarterback Aidan O’Connell looking to lock down the starting role amid growing competition.
This early test will allow both franchises to evaluate depth, test scheme adjustments, and scout young talent.
🔍 New England Patriots: New Leadership, New Direction
The Patriots are entering a full-fledged transition. With Bill Belichick no longer at the helm, former linebacker and defensive captain Jerod Mayo takes the reins. Mayo has surrounded himself with a young, analytics-driven staff and an emphasis on adaptability on both sides of the ball.
Patriots Storylines
- Quarterback Battle: Will Drake Maye, the rookie first-round pick, unseat veteran Jacoby Brissett as the Week 1 starter?
- Revamped Offense: New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt brings play-action, motion-heavy concepts that differ from previous regimes.
- Rookie Class Evaluation: The 2025 draft class, led by Maye and WR Javon Baker, will be under the microscope.
- Defensive Continuity: The front seven remains a strength with Matt Judon, Christian Barmore, and Ja’Whaun Bentley.
🔍 Las Vegas Raiders: Grit, Growth, and Gruden Legacy Erased
After several years of inconsistency, the Raiders are moving forward with a no-nonsense identity under Antonio Pierce. The 2025 season will be pivotal in proving Pierce can sustain success after taking over midseason in 2024.
Raiders Storylines
- Quarterback Development: Aidan O’Connell returns, but rookie Trey Sanders is pushing hard for the No. 1 spot.
- Wide Receiver Watch: With Davante Adams sitting out most preseason, younger players like Tre Tucker and Michael Gallup will see big opportunities.
- Maxx Crosby’s Influence: The defensive leader is mentoring new EDGE additions including rookie Isaiah Donaldson.
- New Defensive Scheme: DC Patrick Graham is implementing more 3-safety looks and disguised pressure formations.
🔥 Key Matchups to Watch in 🏈 Patriots at Raiders
1. Drake Maye vs. Raiders’ Secondary
If Maye plays extended snaps, fans can expect him to test Las Vegas’ inexperienced cornerbacks. His deep ball accuracy will be tested against schemes that often mask their true coverage.
2. Raiders’ OL vs. Patriots’ Front Seven
Aidan O’Connell’s success depends on how well the offensive line protects him against Judon, Barmore, and rookie edge rusher Tyleek Brown.
3. Patriots WR Corps vs. Raiders Safeties
Without a clear WR1, the Patriots are rotating several options including Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, and rookie Javon Baker. Raiders’ deep safety play could tip the balance.
4. Special Teams Efficiency
Both teams are experimenting with new returners and kick coverage units. In a close preseason game, one big play could swing the result.
👀 Players to Watch
Patriots
- Drake Maye (QB): High expectations. May get full second-quarter reps.
- Javon Baker (WR): Deep threat potential and strong hands.
- Christian Gonzalez (CB): Looking to solidify CB1 status.
- Tyleek Brown (EDGE): Explosive first step—could be a preseason breakout.
Raiders
- Aidan O’Connell (QB): Must show growth in decision-making and accuracy.
- Trey Sanders (QB): Dual-threat rookie from LSU making waves in camp.
- Tre Tucker (WR): Has elite speed and return ability.
- Isaiah Donaldson (EDGE): Raw, but disruptive on third downs.
📊 Position Battles That Could Shift the Roster
Patriots
- QB1: Maye vs. Brissett
- Slot Corner: Marcus Jones vs. Myles Bryant
- TE2: Hunter Henry is locked in—Pharaoh Brown vs. La’Michael Pettway for backup duties
Raiders
- QB2: Trey Sanders vs. Gardner Minshew
- WR4: Gallup vs. Kristian Wilkerson
- LB Depth: Veteran Luke Masterson faces competition from undrafted rookies
🧪 What Coaches Want to See
Jerod Mayo (Patriots)
- Precise execution, fewer penalties
- Rookie poise under live fire
- Adaptation to game situations
Antonio Pierce (Raiders)
- Toughness and energy
- Playmakers stepping up
- Mistake-free football in critical downs
🗓️ Full TV and Streaming Info
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network (National), CBS (Regional)
- Streaming Platforms: NFL+, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV
- Mobile Access: NFL App & Team Apps
- Replays: NFL Game Pass (after live broadcast)
📈 Historical Context: Patriots vs. Raiders Rivalry
While not traditional rivals, the 🏈 Patriots at Raiders series has seen some classic matchups—most notably the “Tuck Rule Game” in 2002. Though this is only preseason, both fanbases carry passionate energy when these two meet.
- All-Time Series: Patriots lead 20–15–1
- Last Regular Season Game: Patriots defeated Raiders 30–20 in 2023
- Preseason Record: Patriots lead 4–3
🗣️ Expert Prediction
Final Score: Patriots 21, Raiders 20
Expect a tightly contested matchup. The Patriots may edge out Las Vegas thanks to better QB depth and slightly stronger special teams. Drake Maye’s early drive and a late field goal could seal the win.
- MVP: Javon Baker – 5 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD
- Surprise Performer: Isaiah Donaldson (Raiders) – 2 sacks in the second half
- Turning Point: Fumble recovery by Patriots rookie LB Cole Martin in the third quarter
🏈 Patriots at Raiders
The 🏈 Patriots at Raiders preseason clash offers far more than just exhibition football. It’s a look into the future—a vision of what both franchises are building.
For the Patriots, it’s about ushering in a new chapter with Drake Maye and a bold offensive identity. For the Raiders, it’s about proving that grit, player leadership, and a hard-nosed culture can produce wins.
Whether you’re tuning in for the rookies, the competition, or the future of two proud franchises, this matchup delivers plenty of football excitement as the 2025 NFL season begins.