Predicting Which Raiders Will Have Big Days Against Patriots

Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak watches game play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Predicting Which Raiders Will Have Big Days Against Patriots

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Carter Landis | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 9:00 AM ET

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The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to move to 4-1 as they take on the New England Patriots on the road this week.

The Raiders may not have beaten Kansas City last week, but they proved they can hang with the best teams in the league. They still have things to clean up, like special teams gaffes and turnovers, but this team has the goods.

The Patriots haven't looked as good as they did last season, but they can still break out at any time, as they did against the Buffalo Bills last week. This is a road game against a well-coached group, so it is not a 'gimme' by any means.

Which players could we see have big games for the Raiders this week? Let's break down a few players who could shine.

Defensive End Kwity Paye

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The Patriots' offensive line has not been very good to start the season, and Paye has been playing at a high level. It feels like a perfect storm for the Raiders and their big-money defensive end.

Paye has a chance to wreck shop in this game, as he has been doing all season. He has 11 total tackles, five quarterback hits, and two sacks through four games, looking like the perfect complement to Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders haven't needed to send pressure to get to the quarterback, and Paye has been a big part of that. Crosby's gravity will attract the attention of the Patriots' offensive line, allowing Paye to act as a cleanup hitter.

Tight End Brock Bowers

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Does this really need to be said? "Brock Bowers will have a good game?" I don't care. I'm saying it.

The Patriots are banged up in their secondary, so Bowers will get favorable matchups, especially if they continue to line him up on the outside, as they have in the games he's been healthy. Kirk Cousins loves throwing to Bowers, just like every quarterback who has played with him.

If you're a Bowers fantasy owner, you should have a good day. If you're a Raiders fan, you'll have a good day too. If you're both, kick your feet up and enjoy your Sunday.

Cornerback Hezekiah Masses

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He may not get the counting stats to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, but he has made an impressive early case.

Masses faces a depleted Patriots' wide receiver group, as AJ Brown is still on injured reserve and Mack Hollins has been banged up. He may not face too many difficult matchups, so he could continue his surprisingly good rookie campaign.

The Raiders have loved the way Masses has played, and he could keep things going on Sunday. Will he take away any more footballs?

This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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