The Patriots finished 4-13 last season but were initially considered the worst team, favored in zero games. Vegas now lists the Patriots as a field-goal favorite against the Raiders in Week 1. The Raiders added Pete Carroll as head coach, drafted running back Ashton Jeanty, traded a third-round pick for Geno Smith, and signed Amari Cooper. The Raiders' offense features an experienced play caller, Brock Bowers at tight end, and proven receivers, offering potential improvement over a 29th-place PPG ranking. Multiple players now face former teams, including Jakobi Meyers, Adam Butler, Elandon Roberts, and Jamal Adams.
While the Patriots did finish 4-13 last season, Vegas actually would have said that was a much better season than expected. Despite ending the season as the fourth-worst team in football, they were initially considered the worst at the beginning of last season, having been favored in zero games. Now, the team is favored by a field goal in their Week 1 matchup against the Raiders, according to SportsLine.
The Raiders' last season was disappointing, but their offense is now nothing to scoff at. With an experienced play caller, a top-five pick in the backfield, Brock Bowers as the tight end, and a pair of proven receivers (for now), they have all the potential to finish far better than their 29th PPG finish last year.
Both teams feature a handful of former players from each other, adding an interesting storyline to the matchup. Jakobi Meyers is the most notable offensive Patriot-turned-Raider, but their defense also features DT Adam Butler and LB Elandon Roberts. Familiar foe Jamal Adams, now more linebacker than safety, also now sports the black and silver.
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