The Raiders looked legit last week against the Chiefs. They were a few special teams errors short of being undefeated. Most importantly, the team maintained its energy and kept fighting. They looked like a legitimate playoff contender against a real playoff contender.

Now, they travel to New England to face the defending AFC champs. The Patriots are .500 after taking their lumps through the first few games.

Both offenses are in the middle of the pack. The Raiders hold an advantage when it comes to creating pressure and turnovers. However, their red-zone defense has been a problem. They’ve given up way too many touchdowns.

Vegas won in New England last year. That was before the Patriots got hot, and this is a new season. The Pats are fresh off a big win against Buffalo.

Containing Drake Maye is job No. 1. He is one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, capable of beating teams with his arm and legs. Vegas will need to create turnovers.

Additionally, we still haven’t seen this running game operating on all four wheels. Let’s see them get Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington both going.

There is a lot of talk about the Raiders acquiring a receiver on the trade block. That won’t help them today. Vegas needs one of its receivers to step up and make a big play. More importantly, they need someone to step up and say, “Put it on me.”

Thus far, Vegas has been leveraging its tight ends as the No. 1 receiving threat. I expect Mike Vrabel and the Pats to take that away as much as possible.

If the Raiders can run the ball, create turnovers and limit big plays, they can win this. Most of all, we want to see them bounce back after a loss. No sloppy play. No turnovers or penalties. No loss of hope.

Just win, baby!