The momentum from last Sunday is real. The New England Patriots pulled off a huge 29-26 upset against the Buffalo Bills, and it proved the sky isn’t falling. Drake Maye looked like a different player, tossing three touchdown passes and hitting the game-winner with just 1:50 left in the fourth quarter. But the easy part is over. Now, the team faces a 3-1 Las Vegas Raiders squad at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 11.
The injury list is getting scary
Winning is great, but the cost was heavy. According to Yahoo Sports, the injury list for New England keeps growing. Tight end Eli Raridon hurt his ankle during that win, and wide receiver Mack Hollins left the game after a non-contact calf injury in the third period. He didn’t return to the field. Even the defense isn’t safe. Cornerback Charles Woods had to go to the medical tent after a tackle in the fourth quarter, though he did return after dealing with what he called a “stinger.”
Kirk Cousins is a massive threat
The Raiders aren’t coming to Foxborough for a fun afternoon. They are coming to win. Per USA Today, Kirk Cousins is leading the NFL in passing touchdowns right now. He is playing the best football of his career. The Raiders are 3-1 because they have the most efficient passing attack in the league. The Patriots’ secondary cannot afford a single mistake against a veteran like that.
This game is a massive deal for playoff seeding. If the Patriots can protect Maye and stop the Raiders’ rhythm, they stay in the hunt. If not, the progress from the Buffalo win will feel like a fluke. The Raiders are coming off a loss to the undefeated Chiefs, so they are hungry. The Patriots have to prove they belong in the same conversation.
