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New England Patriots: Ranking 5 Toughest Games on 2017 Schedule

By Nick Ziegler

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady waves after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady waves after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General overall view of Oakland Raiders helmet at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Las Vegas Blvd. on the Las Vegas strip. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2.) @ Oakland Raiders Week 11

After playing the Broncos in Week 10 on the road, the Patriots will be right back on the road the next week against the Oakland Raiders. After a great 2016 season, the Raiders are poised to win the AFC West in 2017.

The Raiders might have been the team that had the best chance to defeat the Patriots last season, but an injury at the end of the season to Derek Carr ended those chances. Oakland was in a position to win the AFC West and compete for home field in the AFC prior to the injury to their quarterback.

After the injury to Carr, the Raiders went on to lose their grip on the AFC West and were forced to play on the road in the first round of the playoffs. With a third string quarterback, the Raiders understandably lost on the road to the Texans and were eliminated from the playoffs.

Coming into 2017, the Raiders have their eyes set on big things. With Marshawn Lynch possibly joining them, the Raiders will have one of the best offenses in the NFL once again. Even though it is a Week 11 game, this one could have a lot of meaning for home-field advantage in the AFC.

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