Oakland Raiders-New England Patriots: Outside Factors, Inside Game?

Well, on Sunday, the Oakland Raiders host the New England Patriots in a game where one team is already done for the year...And one team is needing help to get into the postseason.

Can anyone say, spoiler?

A few things bear mention in this article.

First off, is Matt Cassel. News is his father just passed away, and he's been excused from the team. Belichick was mentioned as saying, he's not sure when Matt will return. It does help that Matt is from the local area, in Northridge near LA, but still, better than cross country.

How could this affect the game? Well, first of all comes the question of who is the playcaller after Matt? Kevin O'Connell, from San Diego State would jump into the driver's seat.

Or, if Matt does make it back, you could see a case of deja vu, with Brett Favre having a huge game after a loved one passes.

Either way, Oakland has a second advantage coming into this game...And a major disadvantage. Oakland was officially eliminated from competition with their loss to San Diego, so effectively, whatever they do now, is either preparing for next year, performing for free agency, or looking for personal paybacks.

Oakland, to that effect, would still love a chance to thank the Patriots for a bad trade, to welcome Moss back, and to knock them out of the playoff tree, at least for a week.

The big disadvantage, is that with the season effectively done...Oakland's fire may have gone out. If their offense can't get things started at home, and the defense plays until it's worn out, this game will get ugly in a hurry.

If Oakland can keep it close at halftime, they have a chance.

If New England gets three TDs in the first half, this game is over.

Last item...last team to look past Oakland, and play the mocking card...Denver, who felt they didn't need to worry about the game in Denver.

Denver got smoked by three TDs.

Can Oakland upset another team from the AFC East?

Give me some flak, I'm used to it.

21-20, Oakland wins on a mad scramble by McFadden.