The 3-1 Las Vegas Raiders play at the 2-2 New England Patriots on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. PT. Here are five keys to victory for the Raiders:
Get turnovers:
The Raiders ran out to a 3-0 start to the season fueled by takeaways. They had a league-high nine in that stretch. They lost the turnover battle 2-0 in their loss to the Chiefs in Week 4. Thus, they need to get back on the plus side of the turnover game. This is a good matchup for them. The Patriots are tied for a league high 10 turnovers
and quarterback Drake Maye has thrown seven interceptions. The Raiders have to capitalize.
Win the fourth quarter:
Fourth-quarter play was another difference in the Raiders’ Week 4 loss. In the first three games, the Raiders didn’t allow any points in the fourth quarter. They allowed 20 against the Chiefs. The Raiders must get back to finishing games.
Stop the run:
Kansas City running back Kenneth Walker had 177 yards rushing and averaged eight yards a carry last week. That has to change, but expect the Patriots to try to get Rhanondre Stevenson (has been out of practice some but has a chance to play) and TreyVeyon Henderson going early in this game.
Run the ball:
The Raiders’ running game has been lacking since Week 1. It’s an issue and they must estbalish the ground game soon.
Tight end dominance:
The Raiders’ wide-receiving group was thin to start with and now they have injuries, so the emphasis on the tight ends. Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas combined for 16 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns last week. They will need another high-production day from the group this week.
