Raiders improve to 3-0 with win over Saints
Las Vegas defeated New Orleans 35-27, extending its season record to 3-0 and matching its win total from the previous year.
The Las Vegas Raiders beat the New Orleans Saints 35-27 on Sunday, moving to 3-0 on the season and tying the win total they posted last year. The victory marked the Raiders' first 30-point game since 2023 and featured four forced turnovers by the defense.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, contributing to the team's unbeaten start. Tight end Brock Bowers returned from a knee injury and recorded 10 catches for 116 yards and a score, while rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. added a 36-yard touchdown run.
Defensive rookie cornerback Zeke Masses earned his second consecutive AFC Defensive Player of the Week award after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter. The Raiders also saw strong special-teams play, with kicker Matt Gay converting all three field-goal attempts.
The win keeps the Raiders among three AFC teams at 3-0, alongside the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, who they will face next month. Analysts note that teams starting 3-0 historically have a high probability of reaching the playoffs.
"We forced a three-and-out on the opening drive and have not allowed an opponent to score on its first possession in six straight games," a team spokesperson said.
The Raiders will look to improve third-down defense, as the Saints converted nine of 15 attempts, and address running back Ashton Jeanty's limited production. The upcoming matchup with the Chiefs is expected to be a marquee contest at Allegiant Stadium.