The leading projections forecast the Patriots to be the 8th-most pass-oriented team among all teams this week with a 59.9% pass rate, based on their underlying propensities and matchup dynamics.
Based on their underlying strategic approach and game dynamics, the New England Patriots are expected by the model to call 64.5 plays on offense in this contest: the 8th-highest number among all teams this week.
The New England Patriots have called the 7th-most plays in the league this year, averaging a colossal 61.4 plays per game.
This game will be played in a dome—meaning zero wind, higher pass volume, higher touchdown potential, and better passing efficiency.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense has been particularly weak when opposing pass-catchers have gotten into space, yielding an average of 6.40 yards-after-the-catch (YAC) this year: the 5th-most in the league.
Cons
The leading projections forecast Mac Jones to attempt 36.4 passes in this week’s game, on average: the 7th-most among all quarterbacks.
Opposing QBs have averaged 33.8 pass attempts per game against the Raiders defense this year: 8th-fewest in the league.
As it relates to pocket protection (and the ramifications it has on all pass game statistics), the O-line of the New England Patriots profiles as the 6th-worst in the league this year.
Mac Jones has been among the worst per-play quarterbacks in the NFL this year, averaging a mere 6.30 adjusted yards-per-target while grading out in the lowly 21st percentile.
Opposing QBs have passed for the 7th-fewest yards in the league (just 212.0 adjusted yards per game) vs. the Raiders defense this year.