Two AFC teams are hungry for a win on Sunday afternoon when the New England Patriots (1-4, 1-4 ATS) head west to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3, 2-3 ATS). The Patriots were blown out last week, losing 34-0 to the Saints as 2-point favorites. The Raiders picked up a much-needed win over the Packers 17-13 at home, closing the gap as a 1-point favorite. These teams met last season in Week 15, with the Raiders winning 30-24 at home. The Raiders are currently listed as a 2.5 point favorite. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 EST from Allegiant Stadium and can be found regionally on CBS.
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Patriots uncomfortable two-week stretch
The Patriots have been outscored 72-3 over the past eight quarters. Dallas beat New England 38-3 two weeks ago, then the Patriots lost 34-0 at home to New Orleans. After those two games, the Patriots officially have the worst offense in the league, averaging just 11.0 points per game. The Patriots got their only win of the season against the Zach Wilson-led Jets in Week 3. New England needs to find more offense if they want to turn the season around.
Many blamed Mac Jones and began to question whether he should be the starting quarterback for this franchise going forward. Jones has struggled to read defenses this season, with just five touchdowns compared to six interceptions through five games. His QBR is 40.2, which ranks 26th in the NFL. The most productive player at the skill position was Kendrick Bourne, a 6’1 receiver with 18 catches for two touchdowns and an average of 43.6 yards per game. Hunter Henry is a strong tight end who also has two touchdowns and is averaging 35.2 yards per game. Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott share the backfield, but neither is averaging more than 40 yards per game and has just one combined TD on the year.
The Patriots are last in scoring and 26th in yards, which signifies their inability to score after the transition. Their defense ranks 25th in the league in points allowed, giving up 26.2 points per game. Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley leads the team with 36 tackles. The Patriots have just two sacks this season, tied for the fewest in the NFL, and one by CB Christian Gonzalez, who just got IR.
Damage report:
Outside: LB Matthew Judon, CB Christian Gonzalez
Questionable: WR Demario Douglas, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, OT Riley Reiff, OT Trent Brown, CB Jonathan Jones, S Kyle Dugger
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Saturday College 4 team game
A full college game slate today and we have four high-profile games selected for this four-team special. Make sure you bet on these games and then play them all day long!
Raiders Defense gives the win
The Las Vegas defense stepped up to beat the Packers on Monday night. The secondary gave Jordan Love ghosts when he had three interceptions and threw for just 182 yards without a single hit in the end zone. Defense was necessary as Las Vegas scored just 17 points on offense. Davante Adams was quiet against his former team with just four carries for 45 yards and no scores. Jakobi Meyers scored the first touchdown of the game and Josh Jacobs ran in a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to take the lead.
Jimmy Garappolo is the second starting quarterback with more interceptions than touchdowns in this game. He has seven interceptions and just six touchdowns for 229.3 yards per game. Garapolo’s QBR is slightly higher at 45.4, which ranks 21st in the NFL. Davante Adams is the top outside target with 37 catches and three touchdowns and is averaging 88.4 yards per game. As the second option, Jakobi Meyers is having a good season with 25 catches for three touchdowns and 68.5 yards per game. Josh Jacobs was the only option in the backfield, with 82 carries and the second most of quarterbacks with eight. The problem is that Jacobs is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry and just under 50 yards per game. The Raiders are 29th in the league with just 15.8 points per game. Their defense is slightly better and they are 21st in scoring at 22.8 points per game. Linebacker Robert Spillane leads the team in tackles with 42 and has two interceptions, including the last game against the Packers. Maxx Crosby is always a threat on the edge with five sacks so far. The Raiders have just four sacks on the season, all of which have come via interceptions.
Injury Report:
Questionable: WR Davante Adams, WR Tre Tucker, DE Maxx Crosby, CB Nate Hobbs, CB Jakorian Bennett
