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5 Oakland Raiders to watch vs. Denver Broncos in Week 12

By John Buhler

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Bruce Irvin No. 51 of the Oakland Raiders chases down Rex Burkhead No. 34 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 19: Bruce Irvin No. 51 of the Oakland Raiders chases down Rex Burkhead No. 34 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Estadio Azteca on November 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 29: Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball as Shareece Wright No. 20 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to tackle him during the first quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 29: Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball as Shareece Wright No. 20 of the Buffalo Bills attempts to tackle him during the first quarter of an NFL game on October 29, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

2. player. 28. . Wide Receiver. Texas Tech Red Raiders. Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree always gets up for Denver Broncos games. He will have two antagonistic cornerbacks to deal with in Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib. Since the Broncos are actually playing worse ball than the Raiders, expect Harris and Talib to be extra chippy on Sunday.

This on-field animosity could bring out the best in Crabtree. Denver’s No Fly Zone defense has become an aerial Autobahn of late, where playmakers can just go, man, all over the Broncos. Given that Denver hasn’t been elite in pass defense at the linebacker position for some time, look for an outstanding possession receiver like Crabtree to take advantage.

Throughout the season, Crabtree has been the most consistent and clutch receiver for the Raiders. He has 42 catches for 502 yards and six touchdowns on the year. Crabtree had a two-point conversion last week versus the New England Patriots, as well as the game-winning touchdown versus the Kansas City Chiefs back in Week 7.

Overall, Crabtree is one of those players that can really get this Raiders’ offense going. He and tight end Jared Cook are paramount in the Raiders getting this big win at home. If Crabtree can gather eight catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, then Oakland definitely has a chance at improving to 5-6 on Sunday.

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