Preview and prediction for the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos.
The Oakland Raiders are hoping to pull off a huge upset against the Denver Broncos. For Oakland, a win would mean a 6-7 record and staying on the edge of the AFC playoff picture. A defeat would mean another season without any postseason magic, something which has eluded the Raiders since reaching Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002.
Denver needs the game but for different reasons. The Broncos are on a three-game winning streak and are 10-2. At this point, the AFC West looks sewn up, but a BYE in the AFC playoffs is still very much on the table. Denver must continue to win, fighting with the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals, who are also both 10-2.
The crux of this game is going to be whether or not Oakland’s defense can hold Denver’s offense. Even with Brock Osweiler, the Broncos have been awful offensively. The running game has been moderately improved but the passing attack is still mediocre at best. Can Oakland, which has a porous defense, keep the Raiders in the game?
Oakland is going to have a rough time moving the football. The Raiders rely heavily on receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper, who will be going against Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib. Quarterback Derek Carr must make some plays with his legs and strong arm to beat Denver at Sports Authority Field, one of the toughest places for a road team to win:
Pick: Denver 17, Oakland 13
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