Three things to watch
1) Weapons out of the backfield. The Raiders were tormented Sunday by Washington RB Chris Thompson, who had 188 combined yards on 14 touches. He often created mismatches on Oakland’s linebackers and safeties as a receiver out of the backfield. Can the Broncos create similar success with , or even rookie Isaiah McKenzie? Or will the Raiders plug the holes largely responsible for their Week 3 loss?
2) Self-inflicted miscues. The Broncos have yet to put together anything resembling a clean game on offense. They have turned the ball over twice in each of the first three games and have been plagued by penalties, particularly during Sunday’s loss at Buffalo. The Raiders have been far from stout defensively (26th overall), but Denver won’t be able to take advantage if it continues to make self-inflicted mistakes.
3) Stopping Mack attack. Another week, another talented edge rusher to oppose. The Broncos have already faced the players ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in sacks, DeMarcus Lawrence (6½) and Melvin Ingram (5½), with mixed success. Now they get Oakland’s , the reigning defensive player of the year. The Broncos are surrendering three sacks per game. If they don’t get a handle on Mack, it could mean a long day for QB .
Game Plan
When the Broncos run. Even with a relatively quiet performance from C.J. Anderson, the Broncos still managed 111 yards on 23 carries against the Bills. The performance of Jamaal Charles, whose 12-yard TD gave the Broncos an early lead Sunday, has given Denver valuable insurance in the run game. The Raiders are 20th against the run at 112.3 yards per game. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass. Four interceptions thrown by Trevor Siemian this season have clouded otherwise strong play by the second-year starter, who has found weapons throughout the lineup. The Raiders have the 23rd-ranked pass defense in the NFL. Oakland has yet to intercept a pass. But the biggest weapon in its pass defense is edge rusher Mack. Edge: Raiders
When the Raiders run. The Broncos’ run defense is no fluke. Through three games, Denver has the NFL’s top unit against the rush, surrendering a mere 59.7 yards per game and no touchdowns. Raiders veteran RB Marshawn Lynch will aim to bounce back after rushing for just 18 yards on six carries against the Redskins. Second-year back Jalen Richard had a 52-yard TD run in a Week 2 win over the Jets. Edge: Broncos
When the Raiders pass. has found a dependable target in veteran tight end , who has 13 catches for 124 yards and one touchdown. The bulk of ‘s team-leading 170 yards and all three of his touchdowns came in an explosive Week 2 performance against the Jets. The Broncos have allowed seven passing TDs, tied for the second-highest total in the league. Edge: Broncos
Special teams. nailed all three of his field-goal attempts against the Bills, shaking off misses on his previous two tries. Raiders rookie kicker Giorgio Tavecchio has made all six of his field-goal attempts. Oakland’s Marquette King leads the league in punting (53.3 yards per punt) and net average (48.8). leads the NFL in average kickoff return yardage (28.4) and Isaiah McKenzie is second in punt return yardage (14.0). Edge: Raiders
