When the Broncos run
The last time these two teams played, running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman combined for 18 carries and 43 yards. The run game has certainly improved in recent weeks with credit to the backs and the move to running more under center. Anderson (ankle) and Hillman (foot) come into this game a little banged up. Oakland has a middle-of-the-pack run defense, but they should have a slight advantage Sunday. Edge: Raiders
When the Raiders run
Opposing backs run for an average 3.5 yards per carry against Denver’s defense. Oakland running back Latavius Murray hasn’t had a great season, but he has the burst to break a big game at any point. The Broncos are dealing with a bunch of injuries, but the return of Sylvester Williams could be near. Defensive ends Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson are having great years. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
Quarterback Brock Osweiler didn’t play great against San Diego. It’s maybe a signal opposing defenses are catching up to him, but Osweiler is comfortable in manning the game manager roles: no turnovers, limited numbers. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders should have a huge advantage against the Raiders’ cornerbacks just stay away from safety Charles Woodson. Edge: Broncos
When the Raiders pass
Derek Carr was having one of the better seasons among QBs across the NFL, but he’s hit a midseason slump. The Raiders have slumped with him losing four of their last five games. Denver hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passer all season. The safety starting opposite Darian Stewart will be key as Carr will likely look to target the new guy in the lineup. Cornerback Chris Harris heaped a lot of praise for Oakland rookie wide out Amari Cooper. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
After a blistering hot start, Broncos kicker Brandon McManus has missed a field goal in each of the last two games. To his credit, his early season success has made those 45+-yard kicks more of an expectation than a hope. Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski hasn’t had the best year. He’s 16-of-20 on field goals and also has missed an extra point. Broncos punter Britton Colquitt has struggled lately with consistent distance and it has cost the team field position. Raiders punter Marquette King landed nearly half of his punts inside the 20-yard line. Edge: Broncos
Survive the Raiders
It happens to every team this time of year, but this week the number of injuries the Broncos’ are faced with are at a season-high. Safeties T.J. Ward and David Bruton are unlikely to play. Nose tackle Sylvester Williams, linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Danny Trevathan, tight end Vernon Davis and running back C.J. Anderson’s status is up in the air. The Raiders, on the otherhand, come to Denver fairly healthy. This may be a game the Broncos will be happy to escape with an ugly win.
Keep managing, Brock
Typically, quarterbacks try to shy away from the game manager role. For Broncos’ Brock Osweiler, the term describes exactly how he wants to play. “My job is to always see the big picture… manage the football game and put our team in the best position to win,” Osweiler said. The Broncos’ defense and improving run game is good enough to win most games without Osweiler throwing for 300 yards or great plays. It’s about limiting turnovers.
Fountain of youth
The Raiders’ two best playmakers are in two completely different sides of the age spectrum. Safety Charles Woodson is playing some of his best football at 39. His five interceptions, including two in the last meeting with Denver, are tied for third in the NFL. Receiver Amari Cooper leads all rookie wide outs with 62 catches for 920 yards so far this season. His speed, route running could be a problem if he finds himself matched up with one of the Broncos’ reserve safeties expected to play in the absence of Ward and Bruton.
