New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis

Final: New England 31, Oakland 19.

Even before the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders stepped on the field, this felt like a whole new ballgame.

The Patriots and Raiders met on the most even playing field between the two teams in years. Not since the squads met in the Snow Bowl in January 2002 have their outlooks toward the game been so similar.

In the 2002 season, Oakland was the superior team, and proved it. In 2005 and 2008, the Patriots were better, and proved it.

But this was different. Today, both teams fully expected to leave the field with a victory.

The Patriots were that team, taking control in the second half an emerging with a 31-19 victory. Tom Brady threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, while Stevan Ridley (97 yards, touchdown) and BenJarvus Green-Ellis (75 yards, touchdown) led a solid rushing attack.

Jason Campbell moved the ball pretty easily, throwing for 344 yards and a touchdown, but was hurt by two interceptions, including one to Pat Chung in the endzone.

A big story coming in, Darren McFadden had a 41-yard run but was held to 75 yards on 14 carries.

Even with the win, the Patriots may have suffered a bad loss. Jerod Mayo went down with a knee injury and didn't return, and was carted to the locker room at halftime. If he misses time, it will stretch an already poor Patriots defense even thinner.