You never like to call a game in October a must-win. But both the Raiders and Broncos are on two-game losing streaks, this is a divisional game, and you’ve hated the other team since the first of your 123 all-time meetings was played back in 1960.
Las Vegas Raiders
It’s been hard enough for NFL fans to think about the football side of things for the Raiders this past week, so imagine what it’s like for the players. In fact, Carl Nassib, the first openly gay active player in the NFL, upon reading about the slurs that former head coach Jon Gruden used so casually, asked for a personal day on Wednesday. It was granted, and he did not practice.
All of the assistant coaches remain in place, with special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia elevated to interim head coach. So in terms of how the offense and defense will play, there will be some continuity.
Which might not be such a good thing considering the results of the last two weeks. Derek Carr was leading the NFL in passing after three weeks. Last week against Chicago, he managed just 206 yards and an interception.
The Vegas defense was solid, but that was more a product of facing a rookie quarterback in Justin Fields. The week before, they allowed the Chargers to average more than five yards per play.
Denver Broncos (-3.5)
Hurt by a slew of injuries; the Broncos are finally getting healthy. Ronald Darby has been a full participant in practice this week, and he should play in his first game since Week 1.
Von Miller was a limited participant in practice, but he’s fine. So if you only look at the players on the active roster and ignore the players on injured reserve – like Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Bradley Chubb, the Broncos are in decent health.
Most important is the health of safety Justin Simmons, who will be one of the primary defenders of Raiders tight end Darren Waller. The Denver defense isn’t going to stop Waller, but as long as he doesn’t go off for a huge game, the team has a chance.
That chance becomes even greater if Teddy Bridgewater can get back to no turnovers. Not surprisingly, the Broncos were 3-0 when their quarterback didn’t turn over the ball. But there were turnovers two weeks ago by Drew Lock and an interception last week by Bridgewater, and both games were lost.
Betting Picks
Broncos (-3.5)
Las Vegas has the better offense, but Denver has the better defense. Plus, you add in a Mile High crowd, the multiple distractions for the Raiders this week, a new coach at the top, and you have a recipe for a 20-14 Broncos win.
Under 44.5
In four games this year, the Broncos gave gone under, only going over last week against Pittsburgh. The Raiders have gone under in three of five games, including two straight. Good defense prevails in this one too, and the total goes under 44.5.