Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders: Game preview and prediction
By Nick Ellis
The 2019 NFL season is finally upon us, as the Raiders host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football in the teams last season in Oakland.
Outside of the Antonio Brown drama, the Oakland Raiders look better than they have the last couple years heading into the season. Derek Carr will be entering his second season under Jon Gruden’s system, along with having a much improved group of skill players around him.
The offensive line protecting Derek Carr is improved, as well, but they will be missing key pieces in Richie Incognito and Gabe Jackson for the first couple of weeks. Outside of that, Kolton Miller should be much improved in his sophomore season, and Trent Brown has received high praise from the coaching staff and media who has watched him practice.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders should be improved at all positions, but still are a far way from an elite defense. The Raiders used two of their three first round draft picks on Clelin Ferrell and Johnathan Abram in an attempt to boost their defense with not only key players, but leaders for years to come.
The Raiders also added defensive captain Vontaze Burfict, a player that has worked in this defense for the majority of his career, and Lamarcus Joyner, one of the best slot corners/safeties in the NFL.
The Denver Broncos head to Oakland with new coaching, a new QB, and a chip on their shoulder. Their pass rush will be good as always, so the Raiders offense will be tested early.
It will be a heated rivalry game to open the Oakland Raiders season, and one that the Raiders have a good chance at winning at that.