The Oakland Raiders seem clueless on what to do with the Antonio Brown situation they are currently dealing with, but with or without him, they will be there at Oakland Coliseum for their season-opening game against the new-look Denver Broncos, who have fresh faces under enter and on the sidelines. The Broncos and the Raiders are +800 and +3000 to win the AFC West, respectively.
After a honeymoon season with Case Keenum, the Broncos went out and got themselves a new quarterback in Joe Flacco. The Super Bowl champion signal-caller played just nine games last season and with Lamar Jackson stealing his starting gig job, the Baltimore Ravens were forced to trade him to Denver, which, ideally, now is in better shape under center than last year. Flacco passed for 2,495 yards and 12 touchdowns with six interceptions across nine games played in 2018. But the real identity of the Broncos is still their defense. Vic Fangio is now the team’s new head coach and if there’s one thing we know about him, it’s that he molded the Chicago Bears’ defense we know today as that squad’s defensive coordinator. Today, Fangio will have another set of talented defensive pieces, led by Von Miller. The Broncos allowed 21.8 points per game last season and were seventh in defensive quarterback sack percentage.
The Broncos are 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last six road games.
Betting on the Oakland Raiders (0-0)
The Raiders are dripping with drama and they haven’t even played a single snap of regular season football. Antonio Brown, the team’s shiny acquisition via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, currently has his status with the team in limbo, as he reportedly almost had a physical altercation with general manager Mike Mayock; Whatever it was that truly happened, it seems like he’s not going to be playing on Monday against the Broncos and may not even suit up for the Raiders — ever. If that’s going to be the case, quarterback Derek Carr will have to rely on Tyrell Williams, JJ Nelson, and rookie Hunter Renfrow downfield in the team’s passing attack. In the backfield, the Raiders have a new guy there, too, in the form of rookie running back Josh Jacobs. On defense, the Raiders will be parading a new defensive end in Clelin Ferrell, who was drafted fourth overall this year.
The Raiders are 3-0 ATS in their last three home games.
