In a tightly contested matchup, the New England Patriots held off the Las Vegas Raiders with a final score of 23-16, securing a crucial victory in Week 5 of the 2026 season. The win keeps the Patriots in the playoff conversation, while the Raiders will have to regroup as they seek consistency in their campaign. Kirk Cousins led the Raiders with a strong performance, throwing for 287 yards, but it was the Patriots' Drake Maye who found the end zone with a single touchdown pass. Meanwhile, Las Vegas showcased a balanced offensive attack, with Mike Washington Jr. rushing for 73 yards and Jalen Nailor racking up 105 receiving yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome New England's resilience. Defensively, the Patriots made key plays that shifted momentum in their favor. Milton Williams recorded 1.5 sacks, pressuring Cousins throughout the game, while Kevin Byard III's interception proved critical in stifling a potential game-tying drive. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when New England’s defense held strong, allowing just three points in the final frame and sealing the victory.