The Raiders will look to end a five game skid as they take on the AFC West champion Denver Broncos, who are on a 7-game winning streak. The Raiders will look to avenge a 37-6 loss to the Broncos earlier in the season. Fortunately for the Raiders, Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson will both be back from injuries which should help the running game. They will also be playing with heavy hearts after the passing of their coach's father, former NFL player Grady Allen, earlier this week. Will the added emotion be enough as they take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos? Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Broncos Defense
The Raiders offense will have to assume a different role this week if they hope to knock off the 9-3 Broncos. They most rely on the running game to control tempo and clock and to keep Peyton Manning off the field as much as possible. The offense has been good lately, but they are in need of more scoring. The yardage is there, but they aren't scoring near enough points to win. In order to beat the Broncos, they have will to find a way to score TD's and not field goals. The Broncos on defense have been getting better and better led by pass-rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil. Coach John Fox has always been a defensive-minded coach and now the team is starting to play with that mindset. Will the addition of McFadden and Goodson be enough to create an upset, or will they return to their form from earlier in the season?
Advantage: Broncos
Raiders Defense vs. Broncos Offense
If the game goes like it did last time around, specifically in the second-half, the Raiders are going to be in for a long night. Manning and company were able to do anything they pleased, amassing over 500 yards of offense in their last meeting. In order for the Raiders to pull off the upset, they must get pressure on Manning, including sacks, and find a way to turn the ball over. They would also probably have to have one of those turnovers go for a TD. Seymour is still out for this game, but Mike Mitchell and Matt Giordano were both cleared to play this week after suffering concussions in last week's game versus the Browns. Expect Manning to go after Ron Bartell as he has been burned on coverage many times in the last few weeks. Thomas should see a lot of throws his direction.
Advantage: Broncos
Special Teams
The Raiders will be without punt returner Phillip Adams and Denarius Moore will take his place. The Broncos have a very talented returner in Trindon Holliday, as he has returned a punt and a kickoff for TD's this year. Both teams have great punters and kickers.
Advantage: Broncos
Prediction: Broncos 30, Raiders 14
Record to Date; 7-5
Raiders Offense vs. Broncos Defense
The Raiders offense will have to assume a different role this week if they hope to knock off the 9-3 Broncos. They most rely on the running game to control tempo and clock and to keep Peyton Manning off the field as much as possible. The offense has been good lately, but they are in need of more scoring. The yardage is there, but they aren't scoring near enough points to win. In order to beat the Broncos, they have will to find a way to score TD's and not field goals. The Broncos on defense have been getting better and better led by pass-rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil. Coach John Fox has always been a defensive-minded coach and now the team is starting to play with that mindset. Will the addition of McFadden and Goodson be enough to create an upset, or will they return to their form from earlier in the season?
Advantage: Broncos
Raiders Defense vs. Broncos Offense
If the game goes like it did last time around, specifically in the second-half, the Raiders are going to be in for a long night. Manning and company were able to do anything they pleased, amassing over 500 yards of offense in their last meeting. In order for the Raiders to pull off the upset, they must get pressure on Manning, including sacks, and find a way to turn the ball over. They would also probably have to have one of those turnovers go for a TD. Seymour is still out for this game, but Mike Mitchell and Matt Giordano were both cleared to play this week after suffering concussions in last week's game versus the Browns. Expect Manning to go after Ron Bartell as he has been burned on coverage many times in the last few weeks. Thomas should see a lot of throws his direction.
Advantage: Broncos
Special Teams
The Raiders will be without punt returner Phillip Adams and Denarius Moore will take his place. The Broncos have a very talented returner in Trindon Holliday, as he has returned a punt and a kickoff for TD's this year. Both teams have great punters and kickers.
Advantage: Broncos
Prediction: Broncos 30, Raiders 14
Record to Date; 7-5
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