Patriots vs. Raiders: Predict the Score

Tomorrow afternoon, the Patriots finally kick off their home slate with an intra-conference match-up against the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders are 0-2 and are coming off an ugly home loss to the Houston Texans.

On paper, this is a game that the Patriots should win easily. The Raiders have struggled to defend the run, and are likely going to be without two of their top three linebackers. The Patriots showed an ability to run the ball up the throat of a defense last week, and will likely take that approach again tomorrow.

If the Patriots can open up an early lead, that will force the Raiders to be one dimensional, relying on the arm of rookie Derek Carr. Oakland hasn't exactly removed Carr's constraints, and he's been more of a game manager to date. Even if the Raiders do try to run the football, their tandem of Maurice Jones-Drew (not expected to play) and Darren McFadden hasn't exactly been a force to be reckoned with.

Nonetheless, there is a reason they play the games, and Oakland will give the Patriots everything they've got -- especially with coach Dennis Allen potentially on the hot seat.

That doesn't mean I'm picking against the Patriots though.

Greg's Prediction: Patriots 38 Raiders 16

What are your score predictions for tomorrow's game?