Josh McDaniels praises Patriots ahead of Week 15 matchup

"They're one of the best teams we're going to play, if not the best team," McDaniels said in his Wednesday news conference. 

Although the Patriots (7-6) are respectable, they're no longer a Tom Brady-led powerhouse. Plus, the Raiders have to host the 49ers (Week 17) and Cheifs (Week 18), who have top-five Super Bowl odds, per Oddschecker.

But who can blame McDaniels? He probably respects Belichick since he served as his offensive coordinator for 13 years. 

The pair had tremendous success together, winning three Super Bowls. However, neither has flourished this season. 

Without Belichick's defensive knowledge, McDaniels' Raiders (5-8) blew four games in which they led by 13 points or more. The unit ranks 25th in yards allowed over 13 games. 

Belichick's offense fell to the middle of the pack without McDaniels' playcalling. Through 13 games, it ranks 18th in points per game. 

Second-year quarterback Mac Jones appeared to have regressed without McDaniels' guidance. In 2021, Jones threw 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on a 56.9 QBR. Through 10 starts this year, he's thrown seven touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 33.9 QBR. 

So, they're like two mechanical cogs who rely on one another to function seamlessly, which adds intrigue to a high-stakes matchup for both teams. 

The Patriots are on the fringe of the playoffs. A berth hinges on a red-hot regular season finish. The Raiders fell short of expectations after making the playoffs in 2021 and need the win to avert a crumble.