Raiders vs. Patriots: 3 Key Matchups To Watch

Raiders Run Game vs. Patriots Run Defense

To the Raiders' credit, their run game has improved, but it remains a below-average part of the offense after four games, ranked in the bottom 10 in the NFL at 93 yards per game. The Raiders are also averaging the fewest yards per carry (3.1) and average 1.4 yards before contact. Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko said that paying more attention to the details will help improve this area.

"I think we just have to pay attention to our details," Janocko said. "Starting with ourselves, what we're asking of the players, how we're attacking each plan, what we are attacking each game plan. And then, presenting a great plan to the players, allowing them to be detailed so they can go out, play fast, and attack it. That's what we're looking forward to doing."

However, Las Vegas will have a chance to improve in this area against a Patriots defense that allows the fourth-most yards per carry after contact (3.8) and the third-highest missed tackle rate (18.2 percent), according to Next Gen Stats . If there is a game Ashton Jeanty can break out, this could be the opportunity he has been waiting for.

Raiders Secondary vs. Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye

It has been stunning to see how much Drake Maye has struggled early in the season, but a great performance in Buffalo may have the former MVP runner-up back on track, which could be a disaster for most NFL secondaries. This season, Maye is 18th in passing EPA (-9.4), 17th in EPA per dropback (-0.07), and 16th in completion percentage over expected (+0.9%). He will face a Raiders pass defense that is sixth in EPA per pass (-0.12) and has an 8.2 percent sack rate— fifth in football.

The issue will be throwing against rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses and second-round safety Treydan Stukes, arguably Las Vegas' best-performing defensive backs. The pass rush with Maxx Crosby has been exceptional. If the Raiders can do what the Jacksonville Jaguars did and make life maddening in the pocket and downfield, a win could be in sight.

Raiders Passing Offense vs. Patriots Secondary

Who would've thought the Las Vegas Raiders would have the sixth-best passing EPA in the NFL and Kirk Cousins would lead the league in passing touchdowns? Kubiak has done a tremendous job with this offense despite not having a true No. 1 and No. 2 wideout on the roster (unless you count Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer at tight end). This week, they play a stout Patriots secondary.

The Patriots are seventh in EPA per pass allowed (-0.11) and fifth in passing yards per game allowed (189.8). Even with Christian Gonzalez out, players such as Carlton Davis and Charles Woods have been impressive at cornerback, while safeties Craig Woodson and veteran Kevin Byard continue to make plays. This is the week Tre Tucker and Cody White will need to make substantial impacts at wide receiver, along with Bowers on the perimeter.