Oakland Raiders (0-7) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at CenturyLink Field, Seattle – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon

*Keys to the game: The Seahawks were already bit by a heavy dose of fakery from a desperate team in the Rams who converted two trick plays on special teams to beat Seattle two weeks ago. The Raiders had an ill-fated fake field-goal attempt last week, but coach Tony Sparano admitted he was willing to take a chance because “you don’t go on the road to lose.”

The Raiders did show a spark with their ground game, but the issue has been staying close enough to opponents to remain balanced for four quarters. All too often, rookie QB Derek Carr has been forced into a one-dimensional attack, and Oakland simply cannot afford to fall behind early.

The good news for the Raiders is the Seahawks’ offense continues to get off to slow starts in which RB Marshawn Lynch does not get receive enough touches to establish a rhythm. QB Russell Wilson also lacks downfield playmakers, so safeties are able to be aggressive on underneath routes and in run support.

*Matchup to watch – Raiders OLB Khalil Mack vs. Seahawks OTs Russell Okung and Justin Britt: Although he has yet to record a sack, Mack leads the Raiders with 35 tackles and was labeled an emerging star by Browns coach Mike Pettine following last week’s game. He’ll see time working against another rookie in Britt, who coach Pete Carroll called a “legit” starting tackle this week, and Okung, who has struggled with injuries and pre-snap penalties this season.

*Player spotlight – Seahawks WR Paul Richardson: He’s averaging just 8.6 yards on seven receptions, but the speedster from Colorado was also sent deep last week as Seattle searches for a vertical weapon. The rookie’s snaps have increased dramatically since the Percy Harvin trade.

*Fast facts: The Raiders have a 13-game losing streak. … Carr threw three touchdown passes during a 41-31 victory against Seattle in the teams’ preseason finale. … Including playoffs, Wilson is 19-2 at home with a 106 passer rating.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Seahawks will not lose focus during a critical two-game home stand that includes next week’s game against Giants before embarking on a brutal final seven-game stretch that includes six games against opponents with double-digit victories in 2013.

*Our pick: Seahawks 31-16