Raiders vs. Patriots Predictions

This will be one of the defining games of the year for the Raiders and the most meaningful game since their Super Bowl run in 2002. Both teams are coming in at 2-1 and look to gain momentum for the season. This a huge game for both as there is a huge difference between starting 3-1 versus starting 2-2. The Raiders are coming off an impressive win at home over the Jets last week in which they had to come from behind after trailing by double digits in the first half. The Patriots, on the other hand, led by double digits in their game last week, only to lose to the Bills in Buffalo on a last second field goal. Brady and the Patriots will look to get back on the winning ways, while the Raiders will try and start a winning streak. Let's take a look at the match-ups and predict a winner.

Raiders Offense vs. Patriots Defense

The Raiders offense will be coming into this game the healthiest they have been all year. Jacoby Ford should be available in this one to help out in the return game and everyone else but Louis Murphy and Marcel Reese are healthy enough to go. They will rely on a heavy dose of the running game led by Darren McFadden, the early leader in the NFL in rushing. The Patriots have given up alarming amounts of yardage early on in the season. They have allowed over 1,400 yards in the first three games, sixth most ever since the 1970 merger. They have fared pretty well against the run, only allowing 91 yards/game. A lot of that has to do with teams having to play catch-up and abandoning the run early on. The Raiders must stick to the running game even if they get down early, much like in the Jets game last week. Their best chance of scoring is still on the ground and they can have explosive plays in the running game to score quickly.

Advantage: Raiders

Raiders Defense vs. Patriots Offense

The Raiders will be a little thin in the defensive backfield with Chris Johnson out and Michael Huff questionable. This doesn't bode well for trying to stop New England's passing game. Tom Brady has thrown for over 400 yards twice in the first three weeks and nearly missed throwing for 400 in the third. Brady relies heavily on his TE's, which create match-up problems for a defense. The Raiders will have to rely on a strong pass-rush, led by former Patriot Richard Seymour. The Raiders will be without Matt Shaughnessy and will instead go with Jarvis Moss, who had a two-sack performance last week against the Jets. This game will likely come down to whoever has the ball last and should be a fun one with a lot of points being scored.

Advantage: Patriots

Special Teams

The Raiders will get a much needed return of Ford to the kickoff-returning duties. They have struggled this year in even getting to the 20 on kickoff returns. Janikowski and Lechler should be at their best as usual, with Janikowski likely to play a big role at the end of the half or the game like he was versus the Broncos and Jets. The Patriots have a decent returner in Julian Edelman, but should negate his returns on kickoffs by getting mostly touchbacks.

Advantage: Raiders


Prediction: Patriots 34, Raiders 31