FOXBORO, Mass., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- The New England Patriots, biggest surprise in the AFC after their improbable worst-to-first reawakening, host the Oakland Raiders in a divisional playoff duel Saturday.
With the emerging star Tom Brady taking over for injured Drew Bledsoe and second-year Coach Bill Belichick keeping him there once Bledsoe returned as the key ingredients, the Patriots won the AFC East race after finishing last a year ago and reached the playoffs for the first time since 1998.
Brady has posted an 11-3 record as the starter after replacing Bledsoe, who suffered internal injuries in Week Two. He passed for 2,843 yards with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season.
Brady's favorite target has been Troy Brown, who set a club record with 101 catches for 1,199 yards and five touchdowns this season. He will be matched against Charles Woodson, the Raiders' best cover corner.
In addition to making the big decisions on offense, Belichick has earned the reputation for being one of the league's elite game strategists whose defensive game plans have been consistently credited for defusing some of the league's most
potent offenses.
Belichick will have to come up with a crafty plan against Raiders Coach Jon Gruden, who is considered one of the brightest offensive minds in football.
In last Saturday's wild card round, Gruden devised a clever passing attack that helped the Raiders total 502 yards en route to a 38-24 victory over the New York Jets.
Jerry Rice, the NFL's all-time postseason leader in catches,yards and touchdown receptions, was the focal point of the Raiders' attack. He finished with nine catches for 183 yards Saturday, including a 21-yard touchdown reception.
Rich Gannon, who struggled as the Raiders lost their last three regular-season games, completed 23-of-29 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns.
Charlie Garner, battling a foot injury, also was more than effective against the Jets, rushing for 158 yards on 15 arries. He had an 80-yard touchdown run, the longest in franchise history, late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Oakland has lost its last four road playoff games since a 34-27 victory over San Diego in the 1981 AFC championship game. The Raiders advanced to the AFC championship game last season before suffering a 16-3 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
New England closed the regular season with a flourish, winning its last six games. The Pats are also well rested heading into this contest after having a first-round playoff bye just one week after their regular-season bye.
The teams are no strangers when it comes to the playoffs. In the 1985 divisional round, the Patriots upset the Raiders, 27-20. In the 1976 divisional round, the Raiders posted a 24-21 victory over New England who led 21-17 with 40 seconds to play. Ken Stabler scored from the one with 10 seconds left to win that one.
The series between the two is almost a dead heat with Oakland ahead 14-13-1.
This could be the final game at Foxboro Stadium, the oft-maligned facility that has been home to the Patriots for more than three decades. There would be another game in the old stadium if New England beats Oakland and Baltimore beats Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Next season, the team moves into CMGI Field, adjacent to the current home.
