Sunday, September 21, 2014

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Patriots quickly righted their ship after a season opening loss in Miami to lend credence to the notion that Bill Belichick and Brady simply don't lose two games in a row. The Raiders do though, sometimes five or six in a row actually and that looks exactly like the pace the Silver and Black are on as they travel to New England for the always tough West Coast/ East Coast 1:00 ET game.

The Raiders dropped a close one in New York losing 19-14 to the Jets to start the year but some people gave them a chance in week two hosting Houston at home. That was completely wrong as the Texans dominated 30-14. The Achilles heel of the Raiders has been the Achilles, hamstring, calfs, and feet of opposing teams RB's who have trampled them for 200 YPG. When you consider the Raiders only average 63 YPG rushing, a team that can't run or stop the run isn't a recipe for success in the NFL.

The Patriots defense responded nicely after allowing 191 yards rushing to the Dolphins, limiting Minnesota to just 54 (Adrian Peterson or not). Brady only threw for 149 yards but with 4 Matt Cassell interceptions New England was faced with short field position most of the day and the combo of Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen ate that up with 141 yards on 31 carries.

New England is a two TD favorite in this game and few would expect them to struggle against the worst rushing defense in the NFL. Brady might not throw up big numbers but that's just the way Bellichick likes it - take care of business and get out healthy to prepare for two upcoming primetime games against Kansas City and Cincinnati.

Oakland Raiders Betting Trends

Oakland Raiders are 1-1-0 Against the Spread

Oakland Raiders are 1-1-0 against the Over/Under

New England Patriots Betting Trends

New England Patriots are 1-1-0 Against the Spread

New England Patriots are 1-1-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Oakland Raiders

09/16/14 WR Rod Streater Hip doubtful Sunday vs. New England
09/14/14 T Matt McCants Knee questionable Sunday vs. New England
09/14/14 RB Maurice Jones-Drew Hand questionable Sunday vs. New England
09/14/14 LB Nick Roach Concussion questionable Sunday vs. New England
09/10/14 DB Taiwan Jones Foot out indefinitely
09/04/14 CB D.J. Hayden Ankle PUP
09/04/14 LB Kaelin Burnett Knee IR
09/04/14 RB Kory Sheets Achilles IR
09/04/14 TE Nick Kasa Knee IR

New England Patriots

09/14/14 CB Alfonzo Dennard Shoulder questionable Sunday vs. Oakland
09/14/14 LB Jamie Collins Thigh questionable Sunday vs. Oakland
09/14/14 WR Kenbrell Thompkins None questionable Sunday vs. Oakland
09/14/14 DL Michael Buchanan Ankle questionable Sunday vs. Oakland
09/14/14 C Ryan Wendell Knee questionable Sunday vs. Oakland
09/04/14 CB Brandon Browner Suspension expected to miss weeks 1-4 of regular season
09/04/14 WR Greg Orton Achilles IR
09/04/14 RB Tyler Gaffney Knee IR

Tony's Pick: Take New England

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