NFL Week 1 best bets: Why we like Ravens, Lions and Steelers
Lorenzo Reyes is back for another season of best bets. He explains why he’s taking the Ravens over Bills, Lions over Packers and Steelers over Jets.
The Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) visit the New England Patriots (0-0) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for a Week 1 showdown, and USA TODAY’s panel of NFL experts have locked in their picks and predictions for the action. Here’s everything you need to know before kickoff on Sunday, September 7, including live updated odds and injury report news.
Patriots vs. Raiders live odds, moneyline, over/under
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Patriots vs. Raiders picks against the spread
Jordan Mendoza: Las Vegas Raiders (+2.5)
These two teams coming off dreadful seasons made some interesting upgrades that should get them moving in the right direction. Geno Smith is still a good quarterback and he really benefits from having Ashton Jeanty in the backfield.
Tyler Dragon: New England Patriots (-2.5)
The Patriots overhauled their roster to fit Mike Vrabel. This is a statement game for New England as they begin a new era. Although, Pete Carroll, Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders should make this game competitive.
Christopher Bumbaca: New England Patriots (-2.5)
Give me the Drake Maye/TreVeyon Henderson combo over Geno Smith/Ashton Jeanty. And Mike Vrabel over Pete Carroll for that matter, too.
Jon Hoefling: Las Vegas Raiders (+2.5)
Pete Carroll has familiarity with Geno Smith in Las Vegas. We can’t say the same for Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel. The Patriots will be solid this year, but there may be some growing pains at the start of the season.
Lorenzo Reyes: New England Patriots (-2.5)
The Pats are coming in with a little hype this year, but Pete Carroll is a veteran coach. This should be fairly close, but Mike Vrabel should get a jump out of Drake Maye in his second season. Frankly, there are other games out there I like better.
Blake Schuster: New England Patriots (-2.5)
Tom Brady’s old team is in much better shape than the one he currently owns a part of. Neither may press for the postseason in 2025, but Year 2 of Drake Maye in New England looks way more promising than Year 1 of Ashton Jeanty in Las Vegas.
Patriots vs. Raiders updated injury report