Raiders vs. Packers Predictions

This is the week we've all been waiting for. The one where we head into Green Bay against the undefeated Packers and get beat like a drum. The division is on the line as the Raiders are currently tied for the division lead with the Broncos, the Broncos having the tie-breaker. Never has a game been more important for the Raiders in the last 10 years than this one will be and every game from here on out as they try to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. We'll see what the Raiders are made of as they go against all odds on the road in Green Bay. Let's take a look at the match-ups and decide a winner.

Raiders Offense vs. Packers Defense

I start sounding like a broken record, but once again the Raiders will be without McFadden, Moore and Ford, their speedsters on the edge. They will also be without Taiwan Jones, their speedy scant-back. This does not necessarily mean doom and gloom for the offense, however. The Packers will be without their leading tackler Desmond Bishop and give up a lot of yards as it is, currently ranked 31st in total defense. They will be able to get the yardage, it just depends on whether or not they score TD's, which has been a problem the last few weeks. Carson Palmer also is 2-0 against the Packers and has said that Lambeau Field is his favorite place to play. Michael Bush will have to get back on track after a miserable performance against Miami and I think he will. The Packers struggle against big RB's, just check out this run by LaGarrette Blount: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNcmWhJloxQ If the Raiders can run for 150+ against the Packers, the Raiders win.

Advantage: Raiders

Raiders Defense vs. Packers Offense

Here is where the game could be decided. The Packers always seem to score 35+ points a game. For the Raiders to win, they need to keep that score to 21 or less. That means the pass rush must show up in a big way. The good thing for the Raiders is that the Packers will be without two starting Linemen in Guard Josh Sitton and Tackle Chad Clifton. Kamerion Wimbley, Lamar Houston and company must put pressure on Aaron Rodgers and get him uncomfortable to derail their undefeated season. For whatever reason, the Raiders' defense always seems to show up when you least expect it. They need to do that today to save their season.

Advantage: Packers

Special Teams

The Packers have a good return-man in Randall Cobb, who has returned both a kickoff and a punt for TD's this year. They have a good kicker in Mason Crosby. The Raiders will be without their best returners in Ford and Moore bust still possess the best kicking tandem in the league in Janikowski and Lechler.

Advantage: Packers


Prediction: Packers 38, Raiders 17