Las Vegas opens Week 1 on the road against New England in a clash of two clubs led by new head coaches on fresh rosters. Geno Smith must steer the Raiders’ tempo-heavy attack while the defense tries to blunt a Patriots unit dealing with early injuries, notably Christian Gonzalez. With Amari Cooper out of the picture, Las Vegas leans on other weapons and a dynamic tight end/receiving corps to stretch the New England secondary.

New England’s secondary issues and Gonzalez’s absence give the Raiders a clear path to push tempo, test the defense with quick throws, and let Smith act as a field general. Prisco’s Week 1 projection leans Raiders upset if Smith keeps control, the offense stays efficient, and the team avoids huddling too long or forcing bad plays. This Week 1 showdown doubles as AFC statements for both sides under new leadership.

In the end, the game emerges as a high-stakes opener in the AFC, with Week 1 setting the tone for both clubs’ seasons under fresh leadership and a narratives-rich battle worth fantasy attention.