New England Patriots: 3 Bold predictions for Week 3 vs. Raiders

1. Patriots will win at home to improve to 2-1

The ultimate prediction that will come out of the Week 3 game between the Patriots and Raiders this weekend is that New England will return home and will once again grab a win on its home field by the end of the Sunday matchup.

In 2019 and for really the last few years at least, the Patriots have been a tough team to play at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and hard squad for opposing teams to come in and top. A year ago, New England finished with a home record of 6-2 overall, and that appears to be a trend that will continue into 2020.

To open the year, the Patriots took down the Miami Dolphins in a season-opening victory on their home field to improve to 1-0 on the year and on their home field. After losing on the road last weekend, New England hopes a return to its home field will result in a bounce-back win to improve to 2-1 overall and 2-0 at Gillette Stadium.

In the Week 3 matchup against Las Vegas, New England will be able to shut down the Raiders offense while allowing Cam Newton and company to jump out to a lead. That will ultimately result in the Patriots defending their home field and pulling out another home victory.

It will be important for New England to grab this win, not only because it’s a home game, but because the Patriots have somewhat of a tough schedule coming up over the next few weeks and falling below the .500 mark could make things interesting in Foxborough.

The Patriots will come out with a sense of urgency against an undefeated Raiders squad, knowing they will have to take on teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, San Francisco 49s in Week 7 and Buffalo Bills in Week 8. The Chiefs and Bills games both come on the road, as well.

The matchup on Sunday is already an important one for New England to take, both because it’s a home contest and a game the Patriots would like to grab to improve above the .500 mark going into Week 4.