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The Raiders are 2-0, and the way they got there has been more interesting than the record itself. Las Vegas controlled its opener against Miami, then went into SoFi Stadium and beat the Chargers 26-14 despite getting little from its running game. Now Klint Kubiak’s team heads to New Orleans for a test that asks a different question: can the Raiders put together a clean road win against a quarterback who has been dangerous when games get loose?
The Saints are 1-1 after a comeback win in Baltimore. They have home field for the first time this regular season, Tyler Shough is moving the ball, and the Caesars Superdome should have plenty of energy for its opener. Kickoff is Sunday at 1:25 p.m. Pacific.
The Raiders Need More From Ashton Jeanty
Respect My Region’s recap of the Chargers win showed how Las Vegas survived an uneven offensive day. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns, but Ashton Jeanty managed 48 yards on 21 carries and the Chargers hit Cousins 10 times. The Raiders won because they made the bigger plays and took the ball away. Counting on that formula every Sunday would put a lot of pressure on the defense.
Jeanty does not need a highlight run on his first carry against New Orleans. He needs enough productive early-down work to keep Cousins out of obvious passing situations. That matters even more on the road, where crowd noise can make protection calls harder. A few five-yard runs can change what Kubiak is able to call for the rest of a drive.
Cousins has rewarded the Raiders for trusting him through two games. If Las Vegas gives him manageable downs, there is no reason to abandon the play-action passing that has already produced six touchdown throws.
Maxx Crosby Has a Matchup to Attack
Shough’s production deserves respect. The Saints’ own Week 3 breakdown credits him with 662 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and a rushing score through two games. New Orleans has also allowed eight sacks. The Raiders enter Sunday tied for the NFL lead with eight of their own.
That puts the spotlight on New Orleans’ left side. Asim Richards stepped in at tackle after Kelvin Banks Jr. was injured against Baltimore. Richards held up in limited action; facing Crosby and the Raiders’ front for a full game is another assignment entirely. New Orleans can give him help, but every extra blocker is one fewer option releasing into a route.
The Raiders’ goal should be to make Shough uncomfortable without handing him easy openings downfield. He has shown he can bring the Saints back. Las Vegas has to tackle after the catch, finish pressures and avoid giving New Orleans short fields.
Brock Bowers’ Status Changes the Passing Game
The biggest Raiders question before kickoff is Brock Bowers. The tight end missed Friday’s practice and was listed as questionable with a knee injury. Safety Treydan Stukes was ruled out with a concussion. On the Saints’ final report, returner and receiver Barion Brown and defensive lineman Christen Miller were ruled out, while cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was questionable. Those are Friday designations, so readers should check the official inactive lists before treating any questionable player as available.
If Bowers plays, Cousins gets a target who can make New Orleans account for the middle of the field on every snap. If he sits, Michael Mayer and the Raiders’ receivers will have to carry more of that work. Tre Tucker’s explosive touchdown against the Chargers showed Las Vegas can still strike without Bowers, but the offense would benefit from having its most dynamic tight end back.
What the Sportsbook Line Says
Despite the Raiders’ unbeaten start, New Orleans is favored at home. FanDuel Sportsbook’s Week 3 listing showed the Saints at -3.5, the Raiders at +3.5 and the total at 43.5 points when checked for this preview. The listing priced the Raiders’ moneyline at +152 and New Orleans at -180. Those numbers are a snapshot, not a promise of the price available at kickoff.
The spread makes sense as a measure of uncertainty. Las Vegas has earned two wins, including one as a road underdog against the Chargers. New Orleans is at home with a passing game capable of producing points quickly. The market gives the Saints an edge; it does not settle whether the Raiders’ pass rush and improved ability to finish games will travel.
Readers comparing lines at FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM or Caesars Sportsbook should check the current terms and whether a sportsbook is licensed in their location. A game prediction is an editorial opinion, not a guaranteed betting result.
RMR Prediction: Raiders 24, Saints 21
This looks like a game the Raiders can win if they stop asking their defense to rescue an unproductive ground attack. Jeanty gets a better day, Cousins makes enough throws to keep New Orleans from crowding the line, and Crosby’s pressure helps Las Vegas close a tight game.
Shough and the Saints will have their chances, especially if the Raiders let them hang around into the fourth quarter. But after watching Las Vegas respond to the Chargers’ pressure last week, I’m taking the Raiders to leave New Orleans 3-0.
Prediction: Raiders 24, Saints 21.
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