NFL WEEK 18 MATCHUPS
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Stadium, Las Vegas
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Raiders by 2.5
Broncos’ keys to victory: The offense didn’t look all that different with QB Jarrett Stidham under center last week, but it’s clear that head coach Sean Payton wants to run the football. And running the football well will be the biggest key to victory for the Broncos. Denver averaged just 3.1 yards per carry against the Chargers in Week 17, but that won’t be good enough against the Raiders. Denver doesn’t want Stidham throwing the ball 40-plus times, so look for Payton to lean on the run game.
Raiders’ keys to victory: The defense has shown up in a big way for the Raiders over the past month. It has done a good job of limiting big plays and created a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. But the only way the Raiders can win is if rookie QB Aidan O’Connell can make plays from the pocket. O’Connell made several big-time throws against the Colts in Week 17, but it wasn’t enough. If the Raiders can score 21 or more points on offense this week, they should have a good chance to win. But hitting that total is a challenge for this offense.
Matchup to watch: Raiders WR Davante Adams vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II. Who knows how much we will see Adams vs. Surtain in Week 18, but these are two of the best players in the league at their respective positions. Look for the Raiders to move Adams around to try to avoid Surtain.
Who wins? Both the Broncos and the Raiders were eliminated from contention in Week 17. However, Antonio Pierce is coaching to win the full-time job in Las Vegas.
Raiders, 17-16