Raiders’ defense flashed the form it showed earlier this season, chasing plays on the perimeter and sealing the edge. Jonah Laulu and Kyu Blu Kelly supplied pursuit and containment that disrupted outside runs and short throws. A relentless pass rush let the secondary swarm, and Ashton Jeanty added a physical punch in the running game.

Pete Carroll framed the win as a statement of identity—effort, tempo, and a defense that can dictate games. While Las Vegas continues to chase its new identity, this performance gave fantasy managers a reason to watch the Raiders’ defense and Jeanty’s workload, with Chinn contributing on perimeter plays and the unit building toward a stretch of favorable matchups.

Las Vegas opens the 2025 season on the road vs New England with health as the key edge. Kyu Blu Kelly is expected to play after hamstring concerns, giving LV a steady starter at corner. Geno Smith anchors the offense, with Kenny Pickett as a trusted Week 1 backup after LV acquired him following O’Connell’s injury.

The Patriots enter with several injury questions, led by Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) and a handful of others limited or returning to practice. Aidan O’Connell’s earlier injury story adds context to LV’s Week 1 readiness, while Pete Carroll’s Raiders era begins with emphasis on depth, rotation, and execution.

Fantasy takeaway: Kelly’s health locks in a confident CB1/2 role for LV; Pickett’s presence could stabilize LV’s Week 1 floor while Gonzalez’s status could tilt NE’s WR matching. Expect LV’s offense to lean on Smith’s rhythm and Pickett’s veteran presence in crunch-time situational plays.