Sunday, September 27, 2020, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, 1 p.m. ET
Raiders at Patriots Betting Preview: Raiders (+6.5/-110), Patriots (-6.5/-110)
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are feeling giddy over a 2-0 start but they could be prime fodder for a down game. It reasons to wonder if the short week after Monday night’s win over New Orleans combined with a cross-country flight will lead to an effort below the two-game standard.
Oakland put up 34 points in each game while beating the Carolina Panthers and Saints.
Quarterback Derek Carr has been superb (521 yards and four touchdowns) without throwing an interception over the first two games. For Las Vegas to be a valid postseason contender, Carr needs to continue with the solid-yardage efforts while avoiding the big mistakes.
Running back Josh Jacobs (181 rushing yards) will continue to receive a lot of work while tight end Darren Waller (18 receptions) rates as a real concern to the New England defenders.
Las Vegas will need to find a way to get pressure on Newton after recording just one sack over the first two games. The Raiders will undoubtedly try to make the game into the shootout in hopes of outscoring New England.
New England Patriots
Quarterback Cam Newton is displaying he fits in well with New England (1-1) and that development can’t feel good for AFC East opponents who hoped the dynasty was crumbling.
Newton isn’t just throwing the ball well but has given the offense a new element with his legs as he has rushed for 122 yards and four touchdowns. The four scores are the most ever by an NFL quarterback through two weeks of the season.
Newton is playing solid pitch-and-catch with wideout Julian Edelman, who had a career-best 179 yards in last Sunday’s 35-30 setback against the Seattle Seahawks.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has been able to adjust to Newton’s athleticism by adding to the playoff and the early returns are favorable. Safety Adrian Phillips (one interception, team-high 15 tackles) is playing well after spending the last six seasons with the Chargers.
New England’s pass defense will need to bounce back against Carr after being torched for five touchdowns by Seattle’s Russell Wilson. Carr is off to a good start so the Patriots’ secondary faces a challenge.
Raiders at Patriots Betting Pick for Week 3
Raiders coach Jon Gruden refers to Newton as “Slam” Newton due to his size and strength that more resembles an NBA power forward than an NFL quarterback. Now he and his team will hope they don’t get slammed by Newton and Patriots. It will be close but New England figures to prevail.
Raiders at Patriots Betting Pick:
Patriots 27, Raiders 20
Raiders at Patriots Best Bet for Week 3
With both quarterbacks playing well, this won’t be a low-scoring game. The oddsmakers know this too and the over/under bar reflects that.
So with the elevated point total, the better play is to take the under and hold your breath in the final two minutes.
Raiders at Patriots Best Bet: UNDER 47.5 total points (-110)
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By Field Level Media
