{"id":1398053,"date":"2025-09-08T11:13:27","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T10:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1398053"},"modified":"2025-09-25T16:16:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:16:41","slug":"game-recap-new-england-patriots-13-20-las-vegas-raiders-raiders-capitalise-on-key-moments-to-claim-away-victory-at-gillette-stadium","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-new-england-patriots-13-20-las-vegas-raiders-raiders-capitalise-on-key-moments-to-claim-away-victory-at-gillette-stadium\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: New England Patriots 13 \u2013 20 Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Raiders capitalise on key moments to claim away victory at Gillette Stadium"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summary<\/h2>\n

The Las Vegas Raiders edged past the New England Patriots 20-13 in a rain-soaked season opener at Gillette Stadium. With both teams experiencing a turbulent start to 2025, this matchup proved to be a fiercely contested affair, decided by pivotal turnovers, telling third-down plays, and clinical execution in the second half from the Raiders. In front of over 64,000 fans, the visiting lineup displayed poise and offensive balance, while the Patriots struggled to maintain rhythm, especially after half time.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown<\/h2>\n

First Quarter<\/h3>\n

The game began with fireworks as both teams registered touchdowns on their opening scoring drives. The Raiders made an assertive start: Geno Smith found Tre Tucker deep for a 26-yard touchdown, capping a six-play, 76-yard march (12:17). New England responded with a 77-yard drive finished off with a two-yard pass from Drake Maye to DeMario Douglas. After missed opportunities and exchanges of punts, the score stood level at 7-7 by the end of Q1.<\/p>\n

Second Quarter<\/h3>\n

Defence played a dominant role, with both sides forcing punts and failed drives. The Patriots, however, managed to edge ahead via Andy Borregales\u2019 35-yard field goal after technical penalties and a grinding drive \u2013 taking a 10-7 lead into the interval. The Raiders\u2019 attempts to answer fell short\u2014Daniel Carlson missed a 58-yard field goal at the end of the half, after Geno Smith put together a quick downfield sequence. The half-time momentum appeared to rest with New England but would swiftly change.<\/p>\n

Third Quarter<\/h3>\n

The third quarter shifted the dynamic dramatically. A Maye interception was punished by Las Vegas with an emphatic five-play drive: Smith connected with Jakobi Meyers for two completions, while a roughness penalty on the Patriots extended the series. Ashton Jeanty finished the job with a three-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Raiders ahead 14-10 following Carlson\u2019s extra point. The Raiders would add a crucial 51-yard field goal from Carlson late in the quarter, making it 17-10 after a 6-play, 72-yard progression.<\/p>\n

Fourth Quarter<\/h3>\n

The Raiders maintained composure into the final frame, launching a 12-play, 66-yard drive that chewed up nearly seven minutes. Again, Daniel Carlson\u2019s reliability from range\u2014this time 40 yards\u2014stretched the lead to 20-10 with 6:46 remaining. The Patriots went into hurry-up mode and managed a 10-play, 54-yard drive\u2014but were once again forced to settle for a Borregales field goal from 44 yards. Down 20-13, New England\u2019s onside kick attempt failed, and a final Las Vegas kneel-down sealed their win.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Player Observations<\/h2>\n