FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Oakland Raiders have struggled to defend the run, allowing an NFL-high 400 yards through two games. The New England Patriots recommitted to the run last week, playing 28 of 67 snaps with a sixth offensive lineman on the field to re-establish the line of scrimmage, and should be able to find some level of success again this week.

Furthermore, the Patriots are coming off a game in which they recorded six sacks and four interceptions, and the defense should have opportunities to add to those numbers while facing rookie quarterback Derek Carr, who makes his third career start.

Prediction: Patriots 30, Raiders 14

Accountability check (what we said last week): I think Patriots players and coaches bounce back this week in a hard-fought victory. I added the coaches because the season-opening plan seemed flawed defensively, not putting the players in the best position to succeed (e.g. Chandler Jones as a 3-4 defensive end), and it was hard to tell if there was any noticeable in-game adjustment. This is a solid coaching staff and a solid team, and they should show better against the Vikings. Specifically, I think it will help that Cameron Wake isn’t on the opposite sideline. The Vikings have a good defense, but no pass-rusher with that get-off and explosion as Wake, who helped turn that game around last Sunday.