Straight Up
Despite the fact that Las Vegas is 2-0, the NFL sportsbook odds are pegging it as the underdog. Clearly, the odds don’t think much of the competition the Raiders have faced. Their Week 1 match ended in a 34-30 triumph over the Carolina Panthers, which was followed up with a dominant 34-24 win over the Saints. Now Jon Gruden and the Raiders look to go toe-to-toe against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
The Pats picked up a solid AFC East win over the Dolphins 21-11 in Week 1. However, they failed to get the job done against Seattle Sunday night. New England had an opportunity to win the game as they were yards away from the end zone with seconds left on the clock. In the end, Cam Newton couldn’t find his way into paydirt and New England lost. Facing Derk Carr, I expect a similar thing to happen.If the Raiders are able to get an early lead, they’ll put pressure on Newton and the Pats’ offense.If they can keep that pressure, they should be able to walk away with this one.
Let’s check the latest NFL picks, news, stats, injury reports, and NFL expert picks for Patriots vs Raiders. We’ve plenty of NFL predictions for you to consider.
Against the Spread
The Raiders have scored 34 points in back-to-back games, and the Patriots defense has been thrown on with success recently. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson gashed New England’s pass D for 288 yards and five touchdowns. That’s right, five touchdowns. The Patriots’ dominant defense is not quite what it was a year ago.
Raiders QB Derek Carr just carved up the Saints D for 282 yards and three touchdowns on MNF. If primo offensive weapons TE Darren Waller and RB Josh Jacobs are able to play, Carr will be in drive. It’s probable that Waller and Jacobs are sitting out practice to rest, saving their strength for the real deal.
Pats QB Cam Newton has been shining lately, himself. Newton single-handedly accounted for 444 yards of total offense in Week 2 vs Seattle. Cam threw for 397 yards and one touchdown, carrying the ball for another 47 yards and two scores. Newton did everything, except get into the end zone on his final rushing attempt as time expired.
The Patriots lost to the Seahawks 35-30, and will look to tarnish the Raiders undefeated record in Week 3. New England should win, but it will be a barn burner and very close.
It’s Raining Ducketts: Free ATS Pick, Las Vegas Raiders + 5
Over/Under
The Las Vegas Raiders are playing really well offensively speaking, both through the air and the ground.
They scored 34 points in both Week 1 and Week 2 against the Panthers and Saints, but now they will be facing a really good defense when playing at home (allowed just 11 points in Week 1 and intercepted the opposing QB three times).
The New England Patriots seem to be very happy with Cam Newton and they are averaging 25.5 points per game.
Newton has five total touchdowns (four on the ground) and the Pats’ are averaging 410.5 yards per game.
The total has gone over in four of New England’s last six games. Expect a back and forth game and go over.
