This installment of the Packers vs. Raiders is sure to have one thing, a standard size, 100 yard, NFL field.   Unless a crater hits Lambeau Field between now and tomorrow afternoon, this game will be contested in somewhat normal conditions, and both teams will be able to focus on football instead of what a joke the NFL can be on a daily basis.  After reading this last sentence, the officials and Alberto Riveron asked me to hold their beers.

This matchup against the Raiders is an intriguing one for a few reasons: First, anytime John Gruden makes his return to Lambeau Field, it's always an enjoyable trip down memory lane.  Secondly, this matchup will be featuring two pretty good football teams (record-wise); so we will be able to see whether or not they are legitimate contenders or pretenders.  Fun fact, if the season ended today, both the Packers and the Raiders would be in the playoffs.  Finally, it is always interesting when a former Packer comes back home especially when they were traded during the season.  I know the Packer Universe will fall off its axis if Trevor Davis returns a kick for a touchdown or catches a touchdown in his return to Lambeau.

As has been the case this year, I believe five key battles will turn this game into a victory or a defeat for the Packers. 

1. Smith ESQ. vs. The Raiders Offensive Line:

As always, the defense goes as the Smith's go.  This duo has accounted for 13 sacks and many more pressures through the first 6 games of this season.  The key to combatting the Raiders offensive attack is for the Smiths to plunge the edges and the A-Gap on a variety of blitz packages.  Lately, Preston and Captain Z have been making opposing offensive tackles lives miserable, and they will have to continue to do so tomorrow in order to disrupt the Raiders gameplan.   

2. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams dominating the rushing and the receiving game:

With the receiving core officially in shambles, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have become key members of the Packers passing attack.  Both have shown their value to the screen and check-down game week in and week out.  Now, they will be forced to play some reps in both the slot and outside game in an attempt to move the ball down the field without dramatically altering the gameplan.  If I'm the Packers, I will be looking for 10 combined receptions from the two running backs for between 100-150 yards.  Jones and Williams contributions to the receiving game will take some pressure off of Lazard and the rest of the young receivers.        

3. Lamarcus Joyner vs. Allen Lazard???

Who would have ever thought this could be a possible matchup on Sunday?  However, with the Packers receiving core depleted, Lazard stepping up in Monday's win, and Joyner, in my opinion, being the Raiders best pound for pound defender, Paul Guenther could elect to match Joyner up with Lazard in order to shut down one of the Packers best vertical threats.  Lazard will need to find a way to win a few one on one battles if matched up with Joyner in the slot or in specific packages on the outside.    

4. Ryan Grant vs. Trevor Davis

This is one of those games where two players will match up against their former teams looking for revenge.  Trevor Davis never lived up to expectations while in Green Bay, and I'm sure, he would love nothing more than to break a big return in Sunday's contest.  The same holds true for Packers receiver Ryan Grant who was released by the Raiders earlier this year.  Grant will hopefully be able to step in just days after being signed and make a few big plays against his former team to help the Packers receiving unit.  

5. JK Scott vs. The Endzone

The reality is the Packers offense is going to go through stretches where they cannot move the ball down the field.  This is where JK Scott needs to be able to unleash his leg and place the ball inside the 20-yard line.  The Packers punt return game will continue to have to rely on Scott to unleash high, long kicks that eliminate returns and start the Raiders offense inside the 20-yard line.  If the Packers can do this more times than not, their front seven will be able to pick their spots and really go after Derek Carr.

Keys to Victory:

1. Slow Down Clelin Ferrell and the rest of the Raiders front seven.

2. Unleash Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones.

3. Win the field position battle and point of attack.

4. Having receivers make plays in crunch time.

Prediction:

I think the Raiders are a much-improved team and I see them giving the Packers a fight for 60 minutes.  At the end of the day, the Packers are the better team and I see them making just enough plays to sneak away with a 24-21 victory.