5 reasons Oakland Raiders can upset New England Patriots

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 21: Stephen Anderson No. 89 of the Houston Texans is tackled by Reggie Nelson No 27 of the Oakland Raiders after catching a pass in their game at Estadio Azteca on November 21, 2016 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /

The Raiders have played in Mexico City before.

It is a slight advantage the Raiders do have over the Patriots. The Raiders did play at Estadio Azteca last year, beating the Houston Texans to improve to 8-2 on the season. Perhaps the Raiders staff has a better understanding of what it takes to win down in Mexico City than the Patriots?

It could account for the Patriots being extra cautious about playing at 7,000 feet in an unfamiliar city with poor air quality. Maybe the Raiders not taking the elevation as seriously as New England is might be a good thing? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Let’s not forget that this is technically a home game for the Raiders. This is a football team that has not just a national fan base, but a rabid one that reaches into other countries like Mexico. You have to believe that there will be more Raiders fans than Patriots fans in Estadio Azteca by a wide margin.

In essence, the Raiders are getting the Patriots to some degree out of their element. When does that ever happen? Exactly. It may take the Patriots a quarter or two to get used to playing in Estadio Azteca, so maybe the Raiders can get out to an early lead and hopefully hold on at the end en route to victory?

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