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Patriots' Cam Newton presents big issue for Raiders' defense in Week 3

Raiders (2-0) at Patriots (1-1)

1 p.m. ET | CBS

Matchup rating: 63 | Spread: NE -6 (48)

What to watch for: How the Patriots plan to cover Raiders tight end Darren Waller (18 receptions) is the game within the game. In Week 1, second-year defensive back Joejuan Williams was primarily assigned to cover Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki, but that's because the Patriots viewed Gesicki as more of a wide receiver. Waller has a more complete skill set that makes him a true tight end, and the Raiders move him around a lot, even putting him in the backfield at times. So finding and locating Waller is the first challenge. -- Mike Reiss

Bold prediction: Patriots quarterback Cam Newton will rush for at least two touchdowns. At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, he is bigger than any linebacker or defensive back the Raiders have on their active roster. So you know Newton, called a "power forward" by Raiders coach Jon Gruden, is champing at the bit to run the read-option. -- Paul Gutierrez

Stat to know: The Raiders have the second-highest offensive efficiency rating (90.6) in the NFL through Week 2 (Packers, 94.0). They have scored 30-plus points in their first two games but have not done so in three straight games since 2016 (Weeks 7-9), the last season they made the playoffs.

Injuries: Raiders | Patriots

What to know for fantasy: Waller saw a career-high 16 targets in Week 2, and his 24 targets through two weeks are the third-most in the NFL. See Week 3 rankings.

Betting nugget: New England is 51-26 ATS after a loss in the coach Bill Belichick era, including 40-15 ATS since 2003. Read more.

Gutierrez's pick: Patriots 35, Raiders 34

Reiss' pick: Patriots 31, Raiders 17

FPI prediction: NE, 63.4% (by an average of 4.8 points)

Matchup must-reads: Bill Belichick: Raiders' Waller going to be 'big challenge' for Patriots ... Raiders coach Jon Gruden calls Patriots' Cam 'Slam' Newton a power forward playing quarterback ... Runnin' Rebels, bitten ears and 'Fan Man': Top 10 moments in Las Vegas sports history ... Randall Cunningham proudly watches Patriots' Newton tie rushing mark ... Patriots' Cam Newton: Money, potential extension with Patriots not priorities