The NFL owns the calendar from September through February. In 2025, it also owns your app library, your Sundays, and your late-night Twitter feeds. Week 1 is always charged with energy, but when the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots lined up under the lights tonight, it was more than just football. It was the debut of two new eras. The Raiders vs Patriots Week 1 Recap 2025 tells the story of two new coaching eras colliding under the lights in Foxborough. Pete Carroll leading Las Vegas, Mike Vrabel taking over New England. Geno Smith and Drake Maye both looking to write fresh storylines.
This matchup wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about two franchises starting over and showing fans what the future might hold.
If you can remember my Raiders vs New England Patriots week 1 prediction from August 8th, I said that the Raiders would win 27-20. Although we didn’t put up that exact score, this was still an incredible victory.
I can’t deny that I absolutely hate the Patriots. Proven as cheaters, a dynasty arguably launched against the Raiders with the tuck rule back in 2001, I’ve got a ton of reasons why I can’t stand them.
Shoutout the Raiders for a super sweet victory today.
Final score: Raiders 20, Patriots 13.
Here’s the quarter-by-quarter breakdown from someone who lives and breathes these moments.
Raiders vs Patriots Week 1 Recap 2025
First Quarter: Raiders Strike, Patriots Respond
Vegas wasted zero time showing off their revamped offense. Geno Smith opened hot, zipping a 23-yard seam route to Brock Bowers. That set up a 26-yard strike to Tre Tucker for the first touchdown of the season. Raiders fans barely sat down before the scoreboard flashed 7–0.
But New England’s rookie QB Drake Maye wasn’t rattled. He leaned on his tight ends early—Hunter Henry grabbed 27 yards, then Kayshon Boutte added another chunk play. A quick-hit to Austin Hooper set them up inside the red zone. Maye capped the drive by hitting DeMario Douglas in the corner for a 2-yard score. Patriots tied it at 7–7.
This wasn’t a feeling-out process. Both squads came ready to trade punches.
Second Quarter: Missed Chances Define the Frame
The second quarter slowed down, turning into a grind. Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins got home for a sack, showing Vrabel’s defense wasn’t backing down. Offensively, New England worked downfield again—but Andy Borregales’ 40-yard field goal attempt hooked wide right. Brutal.
On the next drive, a Raiders penalty on fourth-and-one gave New England a second life. This time Borregales drilled a 35-yarder to give the Pats their first lead of the season, 10–7.
As the half wound down, Vegas tried to steal points. Daniel Carlson lined up for a 58-yarder but missed wide. Score stayed 10–7 Patriots at halftime. In a game this tight, those kicks mattered.
Third Quarter: Raiders Flip the Script
The turning point came right out of the break. Maye felt pressure, forced a ball into coverage, and Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao made him pay. Short field. Five plays later, running back Ashton Jeanty punched it in from the goal line. Raiders back in front, 14–10.
Momentum shifted instantly. Geno Smith, now cooking, found Bowers again for a massive 38-yard connection. Carlson redeemed himself with a 50-yard field goal to stretch the lead to 17–10.
That interception followed by the big-play strike to Bowers changed everything. The Patriots went from controlling the game to chasing.
Fourth Quarter: Vegas Closes, Pats Can’t Finish
Carlson stayed locked in. Early in the fourth, he hit again from 40 yards. Vegas led 20–10.
Maye didn’t fold. He pieced together a gutsy late drive—Boutte hauled in a 19-yarder, Henry and Hollins moved the chains, and Kyle Williams got them into range. Borregales connected from 44 yards to cut it to 20–13.
New England lined up for an onside kick. No dice. Raiders secured the ball, Geno Smith took the victory formation, and that was all she wrote.
Key Takeaways
- Turnover changed everything: Pola-Mao’s interception in the third quarter completely swung momentum.
- Explosives matter: Tre Tucker’s 26-yard touchdown and Bowers’ 38-yard grab gave the Raiders separation.
- Special teams tilt: Carlson went 2-for-3, including from 50, while Borregales missed one he couldn’t afford to.
- Coaching debuts: Carroll starts 1–0 in Vegas. Vrabel drops his opener in Foxborough.
My Perspective
As someone who’s watched the Raiders collapse in more ways than I can count, this felt different. Geno Smith looked like a veteran with something to prove. Brock Bowers already looks like the real deal. And Pete Carroll brought that swagger we saw for years in Seattle—players feeding off his energy.
For the Patriots, Drake Maye flashed potential, but turnovers and missed opportunities will define this one. Vrabel’s defense looked tough, but the offense has work to do if they want to keep up in an AFC loaded with firepower.
The season is long and week 1 doesn’t decide anything. But it sets the tone. And the tone tonight? The Raiders look more legit than they’ve been in years. The Patriots still have questions.
Final score: Raiders 20, Patriots 13.
The NFL is back, and so is the chaos. For Las Vegas, it’s a dream start. For New England, it’s a tough pill in front of their home crowd. Both teams will adjust, both will fight, but only one walked away 1–0.
This is the energy we live for.
Week 1, Sunday Night Football vibes, and a reminder: it’s a long season, but every quarter matters.
