All things being equal (like the altitude, because we don't know how that going to affect the teams), this game against the Raiders should be a referendum on where Patriots starting cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler are at to this point in the season.
And there's the chance this could quickly become moot because Tom Brady owns the vanilla defenses preferred by Jack Del Rio, and the score could get out of hand quickly.
But don't be surprised if this turns into a shootout between Brady and Derek Carr, because the Raiders do a few things that could give both Patriots corners some problems.
A look at some of the issues:
Malcolm Butler
Butler has been at his best when Gilmore has not been on the field and Butler's been able to man-up against a player with similar athletic attributes. Not sure how the Patriots are going to match up against the Raiders, but I'm going to guess they'll play by sides: Gilmore on the defensive right, Butler on the left. That means that Butler will see a lot of Michael Crabtree. This will be a tough matchup for Butler, because Crabtree is a crafty veteran and one of the best in the league at the subtle things (eye movements, body fakes) that give cornerbacks trouble.
Butler's big issues have come when he plays without focus and discipline. I'd be willing to bet that it's been drilled into the entire secondary that they must play with discipline "deep in the down" (meaning: up to 6 seconds after the snap) against the Raiders because Carr can keep plays alive, and that's when the Raiders can burn you. This is not Butler's forte. After about 3 seconds, he starts peeking into the backfield, wondering what the quarterback is doing, and that could be a problem vs. Oakland (see video).
Scheme
Todd Downing takes over for Bill Musgrave, who was let go after 2016, and the results have not been good. What was once one of the most explosive offenses in the league has plummeted to 22nd in total offense (324.6), 27th in rushing (87.6), 15th in passing (237.0) and 16th in points (21.7). It's a very boring scheme, which matches perfectly with Del Rio's boring defensive set.
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr is in his fourth season, and while his completion percentage is up (65.2), his rating is down to 91.8 and he's thrown 13 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He's gutsy and has all the tools, but he lacks patience and maturity to dissect defenses. Multiple times a game he will throw off his back foot into double coverage down the field. E.J. Manuel is the top backup.
Running backs
Marshawn Lynch is still a very effective back and will be tough for the Patriots to contain. He no longer breaks big gains, but he'll move the chains. Have to have gap discipline vs. Lynch because he will cutback and keep runs alive. ... Jalen Richard is the primary backup and has the speed to break off big runs. ... DeAndre Washington (28 targets) is the third-down back with good hands and will make a defender miss.
Receivers
Amari Cooper has just 38 catches on 77 targets, which tells you about the issues with his hands and the offense. Doesn't have elite speed and is very inconsistent catching the ball. Michael Crabtree (55 targets) is a crafty veteran who catches the ball with his hands and will come down with more contested catches than not. You have to watch his double moves. Seth Roberts (27 targets) and Cordarrelle Patterson (19) spend time in the slot but neither is very effective. Patterson has great speed but no clue how to run a route. Tight end Jared Cook (55 targets) will play on all downs and has to be accounted for. He has inconsisent hands but very long and tough in red zone.
Offensive line
LT Donald Penn: Veteran is past his prime but still a solid player. Very powerful but susceptible to speed.
LG Kelechi Osemele: One of the best guards in the game has been uneven this season. Great run blocker.
C Rodney Hudson: One of the best centers in the league. Strong, compact and smart.
RG Gabe Jackson: Has not lived up to the billing. Sloppy technique and is a weak point to be attacked.
RT Marshall Newhouse: An OK run blocker but struggles to hold up in pass protection. Expect the Patriots to attack the right side of this line. Has been injured and is questionable. If he can't go, Vadal Alexander would get his second start. He is a project who shouldn't see the light of day.
DEFENSE
Scheme
Del Rio's basic and predictable 3-4/4-3 defense is run by Ken Norton Jr. Everything is predicated on their edge rushers getting home. If they don't, it's a long day and a lot of yards. Raiders rank 26th in total defense (361.1), 21st in run defense (116.6), 22nd in passing (244.6) and 23rd in points (23.7). Oakland became the first team in NFL history to fail to record a single interception the first nine games of the year, and it has allowed opponents to complete 71.2 percent of their passes for a 110.5 passer rating. If this continues, the Raiders could be one of the worst defenses of all time.
Defensive line
RE Mario Edwards Jr.: An underrated player who is strong and tough to move. Will get after the quarterback.
DT Eddie Vanderdoes: Can rush the passer but will give moved around in the run game.
NT Justin Ellis: A fire hydrant in the middle vs. the run.
DE Denico Autry: Really good role player who does a little bit of everything for the Raiders.
Linebackers
LOLB Khalil Mack: One of the elite defenders in the NFL. Strong, fast, tenacious, smart. There isn't anything he can't do.
ILB Navorro Bowman: Released by the 49ers because he can't run anymore. Still good against the run, but will be targeted in pass game.
ILB Cory James: Fast linebacker and will cause trouble on blitzes, but not good on a down-to-down basis. Inside LB is a real weak spot for the Raiders.
ROLB Bruce Irvin: Very speedy and light linebacker. His quickness actually is more of a problem for the running game. Is easily ridden off in pass rush.
Secondary
CB T.J. Carrie: The lone bright spot at cornerback on this terrible unit. A developing cover corner.
FS Karl Joseph: Plays elite against the run and the pass but doesn't play a playmaking role in this scheme.
SS Reggie Nelson: The former Bengal is just brutal in coverage.
CB Sean Smith: Former Dolphins and Chiefs standout has deal with off-field issues and slowing foot speed. Might be more effective against Gronkowski if they get creative.
CB Dexter McDonald: Solid against the pass but doesn't like to tackle in the running game.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter Marquette King has a huge leg and is headed to a Pro Bowl this season. Kicker Giorgio Tavecchio is solid but both misses have come over 40 yards. KR Cordarelle Patterson has to be contained -- he averages 30.8 yards per return. PR Jalen Richard has a long of 13 yards this season.
PATRIOTS OFFENSIVE GAMEPLAN POINTS
Account for Khalil Mack: He's the only Raiders defender who can wreck a gameplan. Many resources should be spent on blocking him.
Spread it and throw it: The Raiders are just brutal in coverage. Spread the field and let Brady pick them apart. Figure this to be a big James White game.
When in doubt, Gronk out: The Raiders can't cover in the middle of the field and Gronkowski should have a monster game.
PATRIOTS DEFENSIVE GAMEPLAN POINTS
Gap control: I only see one scenario where this game gets into a shootout — if the Patriots have to commit a safety to stopping Marshawn Lynch. That would free up the passing game for Derek Carr. If the Patriots hold their own against the run and play with two deep safeties all game, then expect a couple of interceptions.
A focused Butler: Butler must keep his eyes out of the backfield and on Crabtree, or he's going to have another long day.
Wise up: The Raiders have a tough situation on the right side of their line, so Deatrich Wise and Cassius Marsh should be able to generate some pass rush in this one.
PICK