(7-8) at (6-9), 2:25 p.m. MST, Sunday at Mile High, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
Three Things To Watch
1. Lindsay nears 1,000. Thanks to 109 yards in last week’s win over Detroit (his second 100-yard game of 2019), Broncos running back is 42 yards from 1,000. He would be the first undrafted player to start his career with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
2. Creating pressure. In 10 games against the Broncos (5-5 record), Raiders quarterback has been sacked only 18 times, including twice in the last three games combined. Time to change that. Carr has been sacked seven times in the last two games.
3. Defending Waller. Raiders tight end leads his team in catches (84) and yards (1,038) and will be a match-up issue for the Broncos. The best move would be assigning nickel back to Waller instead of linebackers /Alexander Johnson.
Game Plan
When the Broncos run
The Broncos’ running game had three “explosive” rushes (gain of at least 12 yards) in win over Detroit, matching their total from the previous three games combined. It makes sense to feed Lindsay early to get off to a good start and get him to 1,000 yards rushing. Lindsay has 17 of the Broncos’ 23 explosive rushes this season. The Raiders are tied for eighth against the rush (100 yards per game).
Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
When the teams met in Week 1, the Raiders rushed five or more on eight of ’s 38 drop-backs (three sacks). Drew Lock faces Oakland for the first time, is 3-1 as the starter and has been sacked only four times in three games. The Raiders have only nine interceptions and only safety Eric Harris has more than one (three). A key for the Broncos will be third down — they’re 29th (32.1%), but the Raiders’ defense is 28th (43.6).
Edge: Broncos
When the Raiders run
Rookie Josh Jacobs, who rushed 23 times for 85 yards against the Broncos in Week 1, was declared out on Saturday (shoulder/illness). Jacobs will end the regular season having missed three of the last four games and his 1,150 yards and 4.8-yard average would have given the Raiders an edge. Not now.The Broncos have allowed 4.2 yards per carry and nine touchdowns this year.
Edge: Broncos.
When the Raiders pass
The Broncos held Detroit to 95 net passing yards last week, but that was against rookie quarterback David Blough. Oakland veteran Derek Carr presents a different challenge because he can recognize pressures and throw the football quickly. In Week 1, he was not sacked, knocked down or even pressured in 27 drop-backs (six blitzes). The Broncos need to account for tight end Darren Waller and receivers Hunter Renfrow and Tyrell Williams.
Edge: Raiders.
Special teams
Take away a mostly decent season from kicker (26 of 30 on field goals) and returner Diontae Spencer (8.2 punts/30.3 kicks) and itap been a mostly sub-par year for the Broncos’ special teams. They’ve allowed two punt return touchdowns. The Raiders can’t cover punts (31st — 10.8-yard average). Kicker Daniel Carson has made 16 of 22 field-goal attempts. The Broncos get the by-default edge.
Edge: Raiders.
Post Predictions
Mark Kiszla, columnist
Raiders 24, Broncos 23
Hedging my bets. Either I will be right about dah Raid-ahs pulling an upset or my preseason pick for Broncos to finish 7-9 will be on the money.
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer
Broncos 31, Raiders 23
Phillip Lindsay cruises past 1,000 yards rushing, the Broncos benefit from Oakland committing 110 yards in penalties and the home team wins seven of their final 12 games.
Kyle Newman, beat writer
Broncos 42, Raiders 14
Who said this Denver season wasn’t fun? The Broncos go out in style by skunking the silver and black as Drew Lock throws four touchdowns.
