Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos: Keys to the Game

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

A week after losing a tight game on the road to the underdog Bears – wrapping up a two game road trip with a 1-1 split – the Raiders face their first division opponent of the 2015 slate when they host the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The unbeaten Broncos are coming off a sloppy win over the Minnesota Vikings, and have been buoyed by strong defense as Peyton Manning has looked mortal so far and the Broncos run game has been almost nonexistent aside from a single 72-yard TD run by Ronnie Hillman last week.

The Raiders will have to clean up some of the issues that have plagued the team throughout their 2-2 start if they want to pull the stunning upset of the unbeaten Broncos at home. Here are five keys to the game that could mean the difference on Sunday.

Next: Keys to the Game: (Finally) Cover the Tight End