The Patriots kick off the 2025 regular season against a Las Vegas Raiders team that they have some match-up advantages against, especially on offense.

Defensively, the Raiders offense will present a lot of challenges but the Patriots can match up from a personnel standpoint.

Here are five match ups to watch.

Maxx Crosby vs. Morgan Moses: Crosby is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and a force to be reckoned with. He can change the complexion of a game with one sack or pressure. Moses will have his hands full with Crosby, especially on medium and long passing downs. His first step quickness will give the veteran Moses problems. The Patriots may need to help to his side today.

Brock Bowers vs. Craig Woodson: Welcome to the NFL rookie. Craig Woodson gets to match up against one of the best tight ends in the NFL in Bowers. He will match up on Bowers in man to man coverage in certain situations. If the Patriots blitz, Woodson will lock up on Bowers and he will have to find a way to physically hold up one on one. It will not be easy, but Woodson has the size and the ball skills to hold his own in this difficult match-up.

Jakobi Meyers vs. Carlton Davis: With Christian Gonzalez out, Davis will be called upon to be the match up corner and travel with the former Patriot wherever he lines up. Davis is better suited to play as a squat cover two corner on one side of the field but in this game, he will match up more and move around. He must be physical against a big receiver in Meyers.

Raiders Front 7 vs. the Patriots Offensive line: The Raiders front seven is average at best. Outside of Maxx Crosby, this group lacks talent and depth. It is a good week one match up for a Patriots offensive line that needs to develop cohesion and confidence. The Patriots should have no problem running the ball effectively and they should be able to focus their protection on Crosby by sliding to him and using their tight ends and backs as well.

Chip Kelly vs. Terrell Williams: Kelly is back in the NFL. One thing we know about his offenses is that they are going to run the football and there will be a lot of formations and motion. The Patriots are going to have to get the Raiders into long down situations and force them to throw the football. Williams will have to bring the heat on Geno Smith and get him out of rhythm early. He is a veteran quarterback who will not get rattled easily. He won here last year as the quarterback of the Seahawks. The environment will not rattle him. The chess match between Kelly and Williams will be a big key in this game.