Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders: Game preview and prediction
By Nick Ellis
Preview
The Raiders and Broncos tend to go back in forth when they play each other, but the Raiders have won the last three meetings in Oakland. The Raiders defeated the Broncos late in the season last year by a score of 27-14 where Doug Martin dominated in the run game with 107 yards and a touchdown.
Look for the Raiders to attack the Broncos in the run game again, as Denver ranked 21st in the league last year in rushing defense. Josh Jacobs is a huge upgrade from what the Raiders had last year, and considering the Broncos blitz their linebackers on the outside often, Jacobs should have plenty of opportunity up the middle.
The Raiders have talked about taking more risks in the passing game with Tyrell Williams, but with Chris Harris guarding him, that may not be a good idea. Look for the Raiders to play small ball with their slot receivers through the game.
Darren Waller should have a big game against Denver, considering they gave up over 1,000 yards to tight ends last season, something only ten teams in the league did. Carr will surely be under pressure often in this game, so Waller needs to get open quickly over the middle of the field, something he has proven he can do in training camp.
Denver comes into the game with new coaching and a new QB, so it will be difficult for the Raiders to prepare for that offense, but the same goes for Denver. Oakland has a completely new roster, along with Derek Carr being much more confident in running the offense now. Denver, on the other hand, has a talented group of skill players, but a limited QB.
Flacco loves to throw the deep ball, so the Raiders need to get after Flacco before he has a chance for his plays to develop. This will be a great test for Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key, considering the Broncos have a solid offensive line, but not an elite one.
The real problem the Raiders will face is stopping the rushing game of the Broncos. Phillip Lindsay is coming off a 1,000 yard rookie season, and with Joe Flacco at QB, the Broncos may become more run dependent than ever. The Raiders have an improved defensive line all around, but will it be enough to contain Denver’s rushing game and force Joe Flacco to throw the ball?