Denver Broncos

Matchups to Watch: Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:48 p.m. ET

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With first place of the AFC West on the line, here are the key matchups to watch for the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos in their Week 9 primetime matchup.

With both the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos at 6-2, first place in the AFC West is up for grabs.

For the Raiders, this is the first time they’ll have appeared on Sunday night football since 2006. Which, coincidentally enough, was a 13-3 loss to the Broncos.

In order to not have a repeat of that performance, here are the key matchups the Raiders have to win, or at least not let get out hand, in order to leave Week 9 victorious.

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) pass rushes past Oakland Raiders guard Austin Howard (77) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Howard vs. Von Miller

First and foremost, let’s start by saying the first matchup is one the Raiders will not win.

Now that we have that out of the way, this is a key matchup because it’s one the Raiders cannot afford to get completely demolished in. Which based on the caliber of these two players is entirely possible.

It’s really rather simple:

Wade Phillips is very smart. Von Miller is very good. Austin Howard is not very good. Therefore, the Broncos will look to exploit this matchup as much as possible. Not exactly rocket science, but nonetheless, this matchup is going to have a big impact on the outcome of this game, for better or worse.

For the Raiders, hopefully for the better. Which means what, exactly?

Anything less than a multi-sack performance would be considered a victory for Howard. Also, keeping Von Miller away from the football will also be considered a victory.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tice vs. Wade Phillips

The most important matchup of the day might not even be one that takes place on the field — at least, not between the individuals themselves.

Mike Tice is arguably the best offensive line coach in the NFL, while Wade Phillips is arguably the best defensive coordinator in the league. Being on opposing sidelines, this is going to be a battle of two brilliant football minds.

It’s also a battle between coaches that have their respective units ranked at the top of the league.

Tice’s offensive line has allowed the fewest sacks this season, with just 9. The Raiders are the only NFL team in the single-digits. Phillips’ defense is tied for the NFL lead in sacks, at 26.

Which unit plays to their usual standard, or at least the closest to it, will very likely determine which team wins this game.

If Donald Penn and company can keep Derek Carr on his feet, he’ll have the time needed to try to beat Denver’s vaunted secondary.

If Von Miller and company make life difficult for Carr by putting him on the ground multiple times and giving him no time to throw, then the outcome for the Raiders won’t be favorable.

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Amari Cooper vs. Chris Harris Jr.

The premiere individual matchup in this game is without a doubt Amari Cooper vs. Chris Harris Jr. It’s a battle between two of the best, young players at their respective positions.

In Cooper’s young career, Harris has certainly gotten the best of this matchup so far. Amari actually failed to record a catch the last time these two teams met.

But Amari is rolling right now, as is his quarterback. Cooper has now recorded 12 or more receptions and 129 or more yards in three out of the last four games. He’s up to third in the NFL in receiving yards.

Chris Harris is playing up to his usual standards, locking down any wide receiver that lines up across from him. For what it’s worth, PFF has Harris as their third highest graded cornerback.

If Cooper can get the best of Harris and get open, Carr will find him. These two are on another level right now, but Harris and the rest of the secondary will prove to be their toughest challenge to date.