Patriots v.s. Raiders Preview

The Patriots take a trip to Mexico City this weekend to take on the Raiders.  The Raiders made this trip last season, and won their game against the Texans there.  Some might say the Raiders have an advantage having played in the conditions there before.  But the Patriots, not to be outdone stayed in Colorado, and have been practicing all week at the Air Force Academy.  This is to get used to the high level of altitude they will have to endure, while Oakland has stayed at home all week and will travel right before the game.

This will be a matchup between two of the worst defenses the NFL has seen this season.  The Patriots have been gouged by too many 300 yard passers this season.  Derek Carr should be no exception.  He may have struggled at points this year, but the Pats have had a hard time covering teams with two legitimate wide receivers.  This tandem has a serious size advantage too, so Malcolm Butler will have to play strong this game.  They should also watch out for Marshawn Lynch, who gave them trouble in the Super Bowl 3 years ago.  Overall, this is a talented Raiders team that just hasn’t clicked this year.  Their lack of chemistry will probably end up the reason they lose this game, as well as Jack Del Rio being a joke of a coach.

The Patriots will need to take advantage of a very weak Raiders defense.  This team is yet to have an interception all season, and Brady doesn’t throw too many of those.  If they can find a way to keep Khalil Mack in check, with their plethora of tight ends chipping him every play, then they should easily put up plenty of points.  The running back carousel will be just as important as they were last week, running as well as catching the ball, especially with Chris Hogan likely to miss this game.  The cornerbacks are not as much of a threat as well, so Amendola should get back into the mix this week with 5+ receptions, and maybe a big play or two out of Cooks as well.  This should be another 40 point game if they could put up 40 on the vaunted Denver D.

This should be a get in and get out kind of win, no need to stay in Mexico City too long.  45-27 Pats.

Written By: Jake Kobierski (@TheRealKobe83)