Derek Carr2
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 20, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Football returns to Mexico!

No, not that football. American football. The Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans will play just the second ever regular season game in Mexico City, and it’s coming on Monday Night Football. These two teams have a combined 13-5 record, so fans south of the border should be getting what they pay for.

Oakland Raiders (7-2)

The Raiders may be based in Oakland, California, but they are one of the three most popular teams in Mexico along with the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though the Texans' stadium is much closer to Mexico, don’t be surprised if there are more Raiders fans at the game.

The Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since the 2002 season when they lost in the Super Bowl. Derek Carr has been phenomenal this season with 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He’s in the mix for MVP with many others. His favorite target has been Amari Cooper, who has a team-leading 843 receiving yards.

Defense, on the other hand, is a bit of an issue. The Raiders defense currently ranks 29th overall and 31st against the pass. The Texans aren’t the greatest passing team in the world, but the Raiders secondary needs a game-plan for DeAndre Hopkins.

The Raiders play the Carolina Panthers next week.

Houston Texans (6-3)

It hasn’t been pretty, but 6-3 is 6-3. The Texans lead the AFC South division just one win ahead of the Tennessee Titans despite the fact that Brock Osweiler hasn’t lived up to his handsome new contract. Osweiler has just 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season.

This Texans team has a strong backbone. Every time it looks like the sky is falling, they rise up to the occasion. The Texans are one of the few teams not to lose back-to-back games this season. Lamar Miller has done a fine job filling in for Arian Foster as well.

The biggest question for the Texans is: can they stop the Raiders elite passing attack?

The Texans play the San Diego Chargers next week.

Schedule

The Raiders and Texans play each other on Monday night in Mexico City, Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. You can watch a live game stream here.

Prediction

This isn’t necessarily a “must win” for either team, as both squads have been playing great. Both teams have their flaws and strengths, but I think the Raiders will prevail because of Carr and the fact that the fans will have their backs.

Raiders win, 31-24

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