The New England Patriots kick off the 2025 season with a home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, embarking on a maiden campaign under new head coach Mike Vrabel and looking to get things started on the right foot.

Three key storylines should define how this game plays out. From defending one of the league's most explosive tight ends to managing a dangerous rookie running back in space, the Patriots defense under new coordinator Terrell Williams will have their work cut out.

The debut of Drake Maye in Josh McDaniels' offense is another key area, with the additions of receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, as well as rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, offering Maye some new weaponry to help move the ball and score points. But one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL is coming to town, looking to blow up those best laid plans.

Here are three to watch as the Patriots look to start the 2025 season with a win.

1. Containing Brock Bowers

Bowers is the centerpiece of the Raiders' passing game. After a record-setting rookie season (112 catches, 1,194 yards), he's already a top-tier tight end. His ability to win at all three levels and create after the catch forces defenses to commit extra resources. All options should be on the table for the Patriots when it comes to keeping Bowers in check. With Christian Gonzalez's availability in doubt, using a cornerback on Bowers could be complicated, but Carlton Davis' size and physicality are intriguing traits to match up on the tight end. Whether it's using a cornerback in coverage or post-snap bracketing, the Pats defense must consistently spin the dial to keep Raiders quarterback Geno Smith guessing. Even then, Bowers is likely to make his fair share of plays, but limiting the damage, especially in the red zone, is essential to a winning game plan.

2. Handling Ashton Jeanty

The Patriots aggressive defensive approach has allowed offenses to hit some big screen plays over the course of training camp and joint practices, and Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is likely to test them with the sixth-overall draft pick Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty's ability in the screen game is dangerous. While his 2024 receiving stats at Boise State dipped (23 catches, 138 yards), his 2023 season showcased his receiving prowess: 43 receptions, 569 yards, and 5 touchdowns, many coming off swing passes and screens. His burst and balance make him dangerous in space, and the Raiders will likely use him to find weaknesses in the Patriots new defensive front. New England's linebackers, especially Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, must be sharp in diagnosing and rallying to the ball.

3. Drake Maye's Debut in Josh McDaniels' Offense

All eyes are on Drake Maye as he kicks off his second season. Maye had a solid summer and looked comfortable in the new system all the way back to OTAs in the spring. McDaniels is one of the most experienced and respected play-callers in the NFL and he'll be looking to get Maye off to a good start. Look for plenty of attention to the quick passing game, utilizing the Patriots versatile running backs and reliable veteran tight ends to help offset a dangerous Raiders pass rush that will be looking to spoil Maye's second-season debut.

Maxx Crosby, one of the NFL's most relentless edge rushers, looms large over this matchup. Though he usually lines up on the defensive left, Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, a Belichick matchup disciple, and a holdover from McDaniels' time in Vegas, has shown willingness in the past to move Crosby around to exploit matchups. Graham's familiarity with McDaniels and his scheme, especially the protections, is a key piece of the puzzle.

Rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, both anticipated to make their NFL debuts, must be ready for Crosby as well as a wide array of stunts and games that he'll run in conjunction with Malcolm Koonce, Tyree Wilson and Adam Butler. Crosby had 7.5 sacks in 12 games last season and thrives on exploiting technique lapses. How the rookies hold up, especially in obvious passing situations, will directly impact Maye's comfort and rhythm. Look for McDaniels to dig deep into his bag of tricks to help neutralize Crosby's impact.

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