Favorable matchup

Broncos’ red-zone struggles vs. Raiders’ defense

Las Vegas fans are groaning that Josh Mcdaniels’ promised fix of the red-zone woes that ailed the team a year ago hasn’t materialized. The Raiders rate 26th in the NFL in converting only 46.2% of trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns. But the Broncos are last in scoring touchdowns on only one of seven trips in the red zone. Hackett’s offense, and Russell Wilson’s effectiveness, have greatly diminished once the field gets shorter. It’s a matchup of weakness vs. weakness, because the Raiders’ defense has also not excelled inside the 20-yard line. Las Vegas is 30th in the NFL in giving up touchdowns on eight of opponents’ 10 trips inside the red zone. But the Broncos could help the Raiders improve that stat. Wilson used to be particularly dangerous near the end zone, given his mobility, but he’s so far shown an unwillingness to scramble in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense.

STEPHEN BRASHEAR / ASSOCIATED PRESS