at Broncos, 2:25 p.m. Sunday, CBS KCNC-4
For the record: The Raiders (12-3) got by the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, but at a steep cost. Quarterback Derek Carr suffered a broken leg in the fourth quarter and likely won’t play again this season. Before the injury, Carr threw three touchdown passes in the second quarter.
Who’s hot: DeAndre Washington. The rookie running back from Texas Tech was a healthy scratch the previous four weeks before rushing for 99 yards on 12 carries against the Colts, including two 22-yard touchdown runs in the third quarter.
Who’s not. Matt McGloin. The Raiders’ new starting quarterback hasn’t made a start since 2013, and he played in only five games the past three seasons. The 27-year-old Penn State product is in his fourth NFL season, all with Oakland. He will replace Carr.
Key stat: 0. Since 1993, no starting quarterback in the NFL who won at least 12 games in the regular season failed to make a start in the playoffs, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Carr will be the first.
FYI: The Raiders have clinched a playoff berth but still have plenty to play for. A victory over the Broncos would give the Raiders the AFC West title and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. Oakland also could clinch the division title if Kansas City loses at San Diego. If the Broncos and Chiefs both win, the division title goes to Kansas City and the Raiders would drop to the fifth seed.
Against the Broncos: The Raiders last swept a season series against Denver in 2010. They lost eight in a row to Denver from 2011-15. Having beaten the Broncos late in the season last year (the Khalil Mack five-sack game) and having trounced them 30-20 last month, the Raiders are back on a roll in this series.
They said it: “As soon as I got out there he said, ‘I think it’s broken.’ Most athletes have a pretty good idea something has gone on with their body… It’s obviously a blow. … Teams have to find a way to pick up and move on, rally around the next guy the best we can.” — Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, on Carr’s broken leg and his team’s playoff prospects.
