Many teams improved in the 2025 NFL offseason, but few enjoyed more upgrades than the Patriots and Raiders. These two new-look AFC squads will square off in Week 1 in New England, a matchup that has plenty of football fans buzzing over the debuts of rookie running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Ashton Jeanty.
Everyone under the sun seems to have the Pats as the most improved AFC franchise in 2025. After a promising rookie campaign, QB Drake Maye has a new head coach in Mike Vrabel, a new offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels (his third stint in New England), a retooled offensive line, and a new arsenal of offensive weapons, including Henderson, Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams.
Of course, the Raiders also have plenty of new talent, highlighted by generational running back Jeanty. The Boise State product led the free world in rushing in 2024, finishing just 27 yards shy of Barry Sanders' all-time single-season rushing record. He should provide a spark for a Raiders offense that already enjoys stud tight end Brock Bowers and solid receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker.
We also can't forget about both teams' defensive playmakers. Las Vegas has Maxx Crosby, perhaps one of the three best pass-rushers in the NFL. New England has elite cornerback Christian Gonzalez and run-stuffer Robert Spillane, the latter of whom played for Las Vegas the past two seasons. These teams are both far better than their 2024 records might suggest.
Interested in tuning into this season-opening AFC clash? The Sporting News has everything you need to know about how to watch Patriots vs. Raiders on Sunday, including kickoff time, broadcast details and free live streams for the game.
Patriots vs. Raiders free live stream
- TV channel: CBS
- Live stream: Paramount+ | Fubo
Patriots vs. Raiders will air nationally on CBS, with Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Adam Archuleta (analyst) and Aditi Kinkhabwala (sidelines) on the broadcast team.
Those without cable can stream the game on Paramount+ or Fubo, both of which offer a free trial.
Patriots vs. Raiders start time
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 7
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
Kickoff for the Pats vs. Raiders season-opener is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 7.
The game will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, home of the six-time Super Bowl-champion Patriots.
Patriots vs. Raiders radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM channel 230 (New England) and 385 (Las Vegas)
Listen to Patriots vs. Raiders live with SiriusXM via channel 230 (Patriots broadcast) and channel 385 (Raiders broadcast).
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Patriots schedule 2025
Here's a look at New England's schedule to begin the season.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Sept. 7 | vs. Raiders | 1 p.m. |
| Sept. 14 | at Dolphins | 1 p.m. |
| Sept. 21 | vs. Steelers | 1 p.m. |
| Sept. 28 | vs. Panthers | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 5 | at Bills | 8:20 p.m. |
Raiders schedule 2025
Here's a look at the Raiders' first few games of the 2025 season.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 7 | at Patriots | 1 p.m. |
| Sept. 15 | vs. Chargers | 10 p.m. |
| Sept. 21 | at Commanders | 1 p.m. |
| Sept. 28 | vs. Bears | 4:25 p.m. |
| Oct. 5 | at Colts | 1 p.m. |