PATS vs. RAIDERS

4:25 p.m., Ch. 2, Patriots by 6½, 54½

HANK’S HONEYS: Pats aren’t often favored by less than a TD, which makes them all the more attractive at this neutral site. Raiders’ offense has been totally inconsistent while Pats D has really picked it up since its dreadful start, limiting a team to 20 points and under in its last five games. Tom Brady has to be salivating. Raiders are thin at CB position, haven’t had an interception in nine games and are tied for last in the league in sacks. Plus, they don’t really have the personnel at LB to hold up when Brady targets his TEs and RBs. Pats are hitting their stride, looking to make a run at a first-round bye and the Raiders are in the way. Schedule gets tougher after this.

IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Patriots and the over.