Patriots vs Raiders | NFL Season Week 1 | Sep 7, 2025
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The New England Patriots (0-0) and Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) open their 2025 campaigns with a Week 1 battle at Gillette Stadium. Scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET, thegame will be broadcast on CBS, featuring commentators like Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn on the sidelines. Streaming options include Paramount+ for local markets, NFL+ for mobile and in-market viewers, and Fubo, which offers a free trial for fans looking to catch the game alongside other Week 1 action. Local radio coverage is available on 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM) in Boston, with Bob Socci and Scott Zolak calling the action. Raiders fans can tune into KOMP 92.3 FM or KRLV 920 AM in Las Vegas, with Jason Horowitz and Lincoln Kennedy on the call. National listeners can access the game on SiriusXM or Westwood One.
This Week 1 matchup marks a rare season-opening meeting between the Patriots and Raiders, who last faced off in 2022, with Las Vegas winning 30-24 in a dramatic finish. Tickets, available through Ticketmaster and secondary platforms like StubHub, are in high demand as fans anticipate a competitive game in the iconic Gillette Stadium atmosphere.
The Rivalry: Patriots vs. Raiders
The Patriots and Raiders share a storied history dating back to their AFL days, with 37 meetings since 1960. New England leads the all-time series 19-15-3, but recent games have been closely contested. The Raiders’ 2022 victory, capped by a controversial lateral play, remains a sore spot for Patriots fans, while New England’s 29-0 shutout in 2020 showcased their defensive dominance. The 2024 season saw no matchup between the two, making this Week 1 clash a fresh opportunity to reignite their rivalry.
Both teams are in transition. The Patriots, under second-year head coach Jerod Mayo, are rebuilding around rookie quarterback Drake Maye after a 4-13 season in 2024. The Raiders, led by Antonio Pierce, finished 8-9 in 2024 and are looking to build on a promising offseason with new offensive additions. This game pits New England’s defensive grit against Las Vegas’ explosive potential, setting the stage for a battle of contrasting styles in the AFC.
New England Patriots: A New Era Begins
The Patriots enter 2025 with optimism despite a challenging 2024 season that saw them finish 4-13, their worst record since 1992. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in 2024, showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 2,431 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 14 starts. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson led the ground game with 1,112 yards and eight touchdowns, while wide receiver DeMario Douglas emerged as a reliable target with 67 catches for 824 yards. The offense ranked 25th in total yards (304.2 per game) but showed late-season improvement under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Defensively, the Patriots were a bright spot, ranking eighth in total defense (316.4 yards allowed per game) and fourth against the pass (194.2 yards allowed). Safety Kyle Dugger and edge rusher Josh Uche (7.5 sacks in 2024) anchor a unit that thrives on physicality and turnovers (+3 margin, 10th in the NFL). The offseason saw New England draft offensive tackle Caedan Wallace and wide receiver Javon Baker to bolster the offense, while adding depth to the secondary with cornerback Marcellas Dial. With a 2025 schedule featuring early games against Buffalo and Kansas City, a Week 1 win at home is crucial for building confidence.
Las Vegas Raiders: Building Momentum
The Raiders’ 2024 season was a step forward, finishing 8-9 and showing resilience under Antonio Pierce. The quarterback situation remains fluid, with Aidan O’Connell and a potential 2025 draft pick vying for the starting role. O’Connell threw for 2,985 yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2024, but the offense leaned heavily on running back Zamir White (1,054 yards, six touchdowns) and wide receiver Davante Adams, who recorded 103 catches for 1,347 yards and 10 touchdowns. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers added 74 receptions for 786 yards, providing a versatile weapon.
Defensively, the Raiders ranked 15th in total defense (337.8 yards allowed per game) and excelled against the run (10th, 104.6 yards allowed). Edge rusher Maxx Crosby, with 12.5 sacks in 2024, remains a disruptive force, while cornerback Jack Jones led the team with three interceptions. The offseason saw Las Vegas draft defensive tackle Walter Nolen and safety James Williams to strengthen the defense, addressing their 19th-ranked pass defense (233.2 yards allowed). With a tough 2025 schedule featuring Denver and the Chargers early, a road win against New England could set the tone for a playoff push.
Key Matchups to Watch
This game will be decided by several critical matchups that highlight the strengths and challenges of both teams:
- Drake Maye vs. Maxx Crosby: Maye’s ability to handle pressure from Crosby, one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, will be pivotal. The Patriots’ offensive line, led by David Andrews, must protect their young quarterback to allow him to find rhythm.
- Davante Adams vs. Patriots’ Secondary: Adams’ elite route-running and hands will test New England’s fourth-ranked pass defense. Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and rookie Marcellas Dial must limit Adams’ big plays to keep the Raiders’ offense in check.
- Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Raiders’ Run Defense: Stevenson’s physical running style will target Las Vegas’ stout run defense. If the Patriots establish the ground game, it could open up play-action opportunities for Maye.
- Raiders’ Offensive Line vs. Patriots’ Pass Rush: New England’s defensive front, led by Uche and Keion White, will challenge Las Vegas’ line, which allowed 40 sacks in 2024 (14th-most). Protecting O’Connell or a rookie quarterback will be key to sustaining drives.
Historical Context and Stakes
The Patriots and Raiders have a rich history, with iconic moments like the 2001 “Tuck Rule” game defining their rivalry. New England’s dominance in the 2000s has given way to more competitive matchups, with Las Vegas winning two of the last three meetings. This 2025 opener is only the second time the teams have met in Week 1, with the Patriots winning 21-17 in 1971. The game carries significant weight in the AFC, where both teams face crowded playoff races in their respective divisions—the Patriots in the AFC East and the Raiders in the AFC West.
For New England, a victory would signal progress in their rebuild and provide momentum for a challenging early schedule that includes road games against Miami and the Jets. For Las Vegas, a road win would bolster their playoff hopes and validate Pierce’s leadership. With both teams facing 2024 playoff teams like the Chiefs and Bills in the coming weeks, this game is a critical early test.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
Gillette Stadium will be buzzing with energy as Patriots fans fill the stands to support their team’s new era under Mayo and Maye. The “Patriots Nation” faithful will create a hostile environment for the Raiders, amplified by the stadium’s open-air setting and September weather. Raiders fans, known for their passionate “Raider Nation” support, will make the trip, adding a splash of silver and black to the sea of navy and red. Pregame festivities include “Patriots Pregame Live” at 11:00 AM ET on WBZ-TV, with postgame coverage on “Patriots Postgame Show.” The Patriots will wear their classic navy jerseys and silver pants, a nod to their storied tradition.
Tickets, available through Ticketmaster and StubHub, are selling quickly due to the excitement surrounding Maye and Adams. Fans unable to attend can follow along on social media, with the NFL, Patriots, and Raiders accounts on platforms like X providing real-time updates and highlights. NFL Network’s Schedule Release ’25 on May 14, 2025, offers additional analysis of this game and the full season slate.
Predictions and Expectations
Early projections from DraftKings Sportsbook favor the Patriots by 3 points, reflecting their home-field advantage and defensive strength. The over/under is set at 42.5 points, suggesting a competitive game with moderate scoring potential. New England’s ability to control the trenches and limit Adams could give them an edge, but Las Vegas’ balanced attack and Crosby’s disruption make them a dangerous underdog.
Analysts anticipate a tight contest, with the Patriots’ defense potentially stifling the Raiders’ offense early. However, Las Vegas’ playmakers could exploit New England’s 22nd-ranked pass offense (202.3 yards per game in 2024). The prediction: a 24-21 Patriots win, with Maye throwing a late touchdown to Douglas to secure the victory, though the Raiders keep it close with a strong second-half effort from Adams.
How to Watch and Follow Along
- Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+ (mobile/local), Fubo (free trial)
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (Boston); KOMP 92.3 FM, KRLV 920 AM (Las Vegas); SiriusXM, Westwood One
- Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster and StubHub
Fans can stay engaged through the Patriots and Raiders mobile apps, offering live stats, scores, and breaking news. The official team websites (patriots.com and raiders.com) provide game blogs and postgame breakdowns for in-depth coverage.
The Patriots vs. Raiders Week 1 clash on September 7, 2025, is a captivating AFC battle that showcases two teams with young talent and playoff ambitions.
With New England’s defensive grit facing Las Vegas’ explosive offense, this game promises to be a thrilling start to the 2025 NFL season. From the star power of Maye, Stevenson, Adams, and Crosby to the electric atmosphere at Gillette Stadium, this matchup has all the ingredients for a memorable opener.
Whether you’re watching on CBS, streaming on Paramount+, or cheering in the stands, get ready for an exciting showdown as these teams battle for an early edge in the AFC.
