Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview
Where: Sports Authority Field – Denver, CO
When: Sunday, October 1, 2017 – 4:25 PM ET
Line: Oakland Raiders (+135) at Denver Broncos (-155); total: 46.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
NFL News and Previews
- Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview - October 2, 2017
- Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview - October 1, 2017
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
Betting on the Oakland Raiders (2-1)
It got ugly for the Raiders this past Sunday, both offensively and defensively. Their two units looked unprepared for what the opposition had in store, as the Washington Redskins almost didn’t break a sweat in handing them a 27-10 domination.
The Derek Carr-Michael Crabtree combination, which was so lethal in the week prior (had three touchdowns), only connected for a single catch for seven yards. Crabtree’s number one partner in the receiving corps, Amari Cooper, had the similar fate, and had one reception for six yards in the five times he was targeted.
The struggle continued in the backfield, as no one rushed for more than 18 yards, and they ended up with 32 measly yards on 2.5 yards per carry.
Some of the blame can be put on the offensive line, who all looked lost for the entire night. The linemen were uncharacteristically unable to protect Carr (allowed six QB hits and four sacks) or provide gaps for the running backs, two things that they were considered to be one of the best at in the league.
As the score suggests, the defense also had a long night. They couldn’t stop Kirk Cousins and his scrappy RB, Chris Thompson, as they gave up 365 and 188 yards on the two, respectively, including three passing TDs from Cousins, one of which was to Thompson.
Such a loss isn’t good at any point of the season, but it’s extra bad when they are facing the destructive Broncos defense next on the road, a group that’s easily several levels higher than the ‘Skins.
The Raiders are 7-3 in their last 10 games on the road (SU and ATS). They have also won two of their last three meetings with the Broncos (also SU and ATS).
Betting on the Denver Broncos (2-1)
The Broncos also crashed to the ground in Week 3. They lost to the Buffalo Bills, 26-16, after an underwhelming showing on both sides of the field.
Von Miller and the defense contained the Bills’ running attack and held them to 75 yards on 2.3 yards per carry. However, they cancelled out all of their run-stopping efforts by poorly defending the pass, which ended up being costly in key parts of the game. The secondary gave up 236 yards and two TDs on 20-for-26 passing to the usually limited passer, Tyrod Taylor.
Although the receiving duo of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders combined for 13 catches for 173 yards, Denver’s own offense was not any better overall. As usual, it was unable to carry the defense out of its off-night, which can happen the other way around. Trevor Siemian, who’s coming off consecutive multiple-TD games, regressed and only went 24-for-40 for 259 yards and two interceptions.
The good thing for the Broncos is they will now be returning in their home field, which is always the perfect place to regain momentum and rhythm. Considering how much of a game-changer the defense has been in the last couple of seasons, it’s easy to see them be able to return to form soon.
Denver is 9-3 in its last 12 games at home (6-5-1 ATS)
Writer’s Prediction
The Broncos (-155) win, 23-20.
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