5 bold predictions for Raiders against Broncos
By John Buhler
A new chapter of Las Vegas Raiders football commences vs. the Denver Broncos in Week 6.
It feels like a lifetime ago that the Las Vegas Raiders were 3-0 and on top of the football world.
A pair of losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Chicago Bears were bad, but the Jon Gruden email scandal was even worse. While these emails were sent long before Gruden returned to the Silver and Black’s sidelines, Las Vegas was the one holding the bag. With special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia taking over in the interim, the Raiders still have plenty to play for.
Here are five bold predictions for them when they take on the Denver Broncos in Mile High.
Las Vegas Raiders: 5 bold predictions vs. Denver Broncos in Week 6
5. Henry Ruggs III will lead the Raiders in receiving yardage vs. Denver defense
With the thin air in Denver and something to prove, look for the Raiders offense to damn the torpedoes and throw it long a few times. This may not be Derek Carr’s bread and butter, but that might be what it takes to hand the rival Broncos an L at their place. So if Carr really does plan to spin it, look for him to find wide receiver Henry Ruggs III down the field on multiple occasions.
While Ruggs may not lead the team in receptions, he will hit pay dirt at least once on one explosive play. Look for him to have a touchdown grab of the 50-yard-plus variety. Will it be set up by a mental lapse in the Broncos’ secondary? Oh absolutely, but six points are six points, no matter how you get them. This will be the type of play that will give the Raiders a major confidence boost.
So what this really comes down to is Ruggs having one of those days in the Raiders offense that merits why he was a first-round selection out of Alabama. He will not only be a lucky recipient of one of Carr’s deep balls for a touchdown, but expect for him to lead the Raiders in receiving yards on Sunday. He will either eclipse 100 yards through the air, or be just a shade under that for them.
Ruggs will be a big reason the Raiders will not go away quietly when they take on the Broncos.