Las Vegas Raiders vs New England Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders opened their 2025 campaign with a gritty 20–13 road victory at Gillette Stadium, where Geno Smith put on a poised display, throwing for 362 yards and a touchdown in his silver-and-black debut. Rookie Ashton Jeanty powered in a third-quarter score to give Las Vegas the lead, and Daniel Carlson’s clutch field goals from long range kept New England chasing. Drake Maye showed flashes in his first NFL start, tossing a touchdown to DeMario Douglas, but untimely penalties and a missed kick hurt the Patriots’ rhythm, allowing the Raiders to grind out Pete Carroll’s first win as head coach.

On a wet and windy night in Foxborough, the Raiders showcased balance and resilience, holding off the Patriots 20–13. Geno Smith connected on several key third downs, including a dagger throw to Dont’e Thornton late in the fourth that sealed the result. Ashton Jeanty’s short-yardage touchdown broke a 7–7 deadlock, while Daniel Carlson added two crucial field goals. New England’s rookie QB Drake Maye passed for 287 yards and a score but saw his offense stall on multiple drives, leaving Patriots fans wondering how quickly Mike Vrabel’s team can find consistency.

Daniel Carlson’s accuracy made the difference as the Raiders escaped Foxborough with a 20–13 triumph, marking the beginning of a new era under Pete Carroll. Geno Smith efficiently moved the offense, topping 350 passing yards, while Jeanty’s third-quarter touchdown gave Las Vegas a lead they never relinquished. The Patriots threatened late with a field goal, but their onside kick failed, capping a frustrating evening defined by penalties and missed red-zone chances despite an encouraging debut from rookie signal-caller Drake Maye.

Las Vegas delivered a statement in Week 1, knocking off the Patriots 20–13 behind a veteran quarterback and a relentless defensive effort. Geno Smith’s ability to exploit New England’s secondary, paired with Carlson’s two field goals, kept the Raiders ahead in a low-scoring chess match. Jeanty’s score provided the cushion they needed, while Maxx Crosby and the defense contained Maye just enough to prevent a comeback. For Mike Vrabel and the Patriots, it was a night of flashes but not finishes.

A disciplined Raiders defense complemented by timely offensive execution powered a 20–13 road victory over the Patriots in the season opener. Geno Smith spread the ball to multiple receivers, methodically wearing down New England’s coverage, and rookie Jeanty capped the decisive drive with a bruising 3-yard plunge. The Patriots, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, struggled to capitalize on early momentum, and a critical missed field goal before halftime left them chasing the game. Vegas walked away with a hard-fought win that sets the tone for their 2025 campaign.