Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders: 5 takeaways from Week 16

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a first down against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a first down against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders greets fans in the stands after their 27-14 win over the Denver Broncos in what may be the final Raiders game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders greets fans in the stands after their 27-14 win over the Denver Broncos in what may be the final Raiders game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)

An Oakland Raiders victory over the Denver Broncos capped off a possible last game at the Coliseum. Here’s five takeaways from the win.

It was a fitting end to what could potentially have been the final game played at the Coliseum as the Oakland Raiders gave Raider Nation a Christmas Eve victory over their rival Denver Broncos. Despite a season filled with so many ups and downs, the Raiders played inspired, tough, and in the end a dominant victory for the fans was the result.

Given the narrative surrounding the Monday Night Football matchup you almost expected these Raiders to come out in full force and give the loyal and deserving fans a win on Christmas Eve. Oakland played tough on the defensive end despite their secondary missing more than a few pieces, and on the opposite side the Raiders rolled through Denver in the ground game, with a little help along the way from the special teams.

The final score reads 24-17 in favor of the Silver and Black, but make no mistake that for the full four quarters these Raiders played with passion and took complete control of the game. It was a fitting sight to see for a fan base that has been loyal and has deserved so much more than it’s been given.

Here’s five takeaways from the Raiders’ victory over the Broncos.

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