Denver Broncos

Broncos at Raiders: Preview, Predictions, and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders

The AFC West is the closest division in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos sitting at 6-2. Directly behind them is the Kansas City Chiefs at 5-2. On Sunday Night Football in NFL Week 9, the Raiders and Broncos square off. This matchup could be the first step in helping to un-muddy the waters in that division.

Defensive-minded Denver heads to Oakland to face the offensive fueled Raiders who are fresh off a 513 yard performance from their quarterback, Derek Carr.

Here’s a look at the keys to victory for each team on Sunday Night Football:

Broncos Keys To Victory

Stop Derek Carr: Derek Carr has been spectacular in 2016. If Denver doesn’t create some pressure on him and take him out of rhythm, he could very well continue his great stretch of play. Denver is known as a defensive powerhouse, they need to play like that to slow Carr down.

Control the Clock: Denver cannot match the offense that Oakland has. They can however slow the pace of the game down and keep the more potent offense on the sidelines. That needs to be their strategy on Sunday night.

Get the receivers involved: What will open up the running game and allow them to milk the clock would be the threat of their stellar wide outs. Quarterback Trevor Siemian needs to hit them early and often to open the field up for the whole team.

Raiders Keys To Victory

Don’t be intimidated: Oakland has enough weapons on offense to outscore anybody. They need to simply remember that and play their game. They can’t be intimidated by the Denver defense, just play your game.

Find a running game: While their passing game is explosive, their running game leaves a lot to be desired. If they want to win this one, they at least need the threat of the run. They have to dedicate themselves to running the ball.

Stop committing penalties: They were lucky to win after setting a new record for penalties with 24. That can be overcome against the Tampa Bay Bucs, but not the Broncos. They have to get this in-check or they won’t stand a chance.

Odds

Point Spread: Oakland -2
Moneyline: Oakland -135, Denver +115
Over/Under: 43.5

Prediction

Jack Del Rio is a good coach and will do all he can to clean up the penalties. His knowledge of the Denver defensive players from his time as a coordinator there will be huge as well. Look for the Raiders to score a huge win that defines their season.

Pick: Denver Broncos: 23, Oakland Raiders: 27