The Oakland Raiders can still make the playoffs but they pretty much need the stars to align perfectly to get there. The only thing they have control over now is their game against the Denver Broncos in Week 17. Will the Raiders take care of their side of the business? Or will the Broncos even their season head-to-head series against Oakland?
Click here to make your NFL picks
Betting Preview for the Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos NFL Regular Season Week 17 Game on December 29, 2019
Where: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
When: Sunday, December 29, 2019, 4:25 PM ET
Line: Oakland Raiders (+3.5) vs. Denver Broncos (-3.5) – view all 2019 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Oakland Raiders (7-8)
The Raiders kept their dim playoff hopes alive with a 24-17 road win over the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday. Derek Carr passed for 291 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions on a superb 26-of-30 completions. Meanwhile, rookie wideout and former Clemson Tigers star Hunter Renfrow had his breakout performance in the Chargers game, as he had 107 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven catches and nine receptions. Renfrow has missed the previous three games due to a rib injury but what he’s got three touchdowns in the last six games he played in. Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs reportedly has joined the Raiders in practice this week after missing Week 16 due to a shoulder issue. Jacobs was a big reason why Oakland defeated the Broncos at home back in Week 1, as he had 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in a 24-16 win.
The Raiders, who are ninth against the run, are 2-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last four road games.
Betting on the Denver Broncos (6-9)
Broncos quarterback Drew Lock knows that the Broncos are headed nowhere this season, but what he said after their 27-17 home win over the Detroit Lions last Sunday was something Denver fans would love to hear. For Lock, the fact that the Broncos are out of playoff contention was a reason for him not to “hold back.” Lock completed 25 of 33 passes for 192 passing yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions. He moved comfortably in the pocket, as he was not sacked. The Broncos also drew a lot of production from their ground attack, with running back Phillip Lindsay rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. If Jacobs plays in Week 17, the Broncos will have to either find a way to slow him down or match his production and Lindsay appears to be up for the task together with Royce Freeman. Joe Flacco was the man under center for the Broncos in the first meeting with Oakland this season, but the Broncos are hoping that Lock will play sweet music with wide receiver Courtland Sutton in the rematch. Sutton had 120 receiving yards on seven catches in Week 1.
The Broncos are 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
The Raiders win, 23-20.
Click here to make your NFL picks
2,491 total views, 1 views today