Raiders (7-8) at Broncos (5-10)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Raiders by 21⁄
2
Raiders’ keys to victory: Las Vegas ran all over Denver in Week 10: RB Josh Jacobs totaling 112 yards and two scores on the ground, backup RB Devontae Booker rushing for 81 yards and two scores of his own. QB Derek Carr didn’t have to do much, passing for only 154 yards. A similar offensive game plan should work again this week. On defense, Vegas will need to stack the box and force the Broncos to beat them with an inconsistent passing attack.
Broncos’ keys to victory: In the previous matchup with Las Vegas, Denver fell behind and had to abandon the run game to try to catch up. RB Melvin Gordon finished with fewer than 50 rushing yards but he was given only 11 carries. With more touches this week, Gordon and fellow Phillip Lindsay should be able to move the ball against a Raiders defense that has struggled to stop the run. On defense, the Broncos will have a similar game plan as the Raiders, focusing on stopping the run and daring Carr to beat them.
Matchup to watch: Raiders TE Darren Waller vs. Broncos LB Alexander Johnson. Waller has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL this year, earning a Pro Bowl nod. When he faced Denver earlier this year, though, the 1,000yard receiver was held to three catches for 37 yards. Johnson won’t be lined up against Waller every play, but he’s one of the Broncos’ best coverage LBs.
Who wins? Both are out of playoff contention. Playing at home and eager to avenge the 37-12 loss earlier this year, the Broncos will upset the Raiders.
Broncos 17-13