Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Preview:
Prior to last week?s game, I didn?t think it was possible for the Raiders to become a bigger joke than they already were. But after watching them put up only 7 points at home against a lackluster Browns team, the Raiders accomplished the impossible. Their offense has clearly thrown in the towel, while their defense has become hit or miss with their quality of play. It is safe to say Al Davis is steaming and heads will be flying come seasons end. Luckily for the Raiders, they have only two more games before their nightmarish season comes to an end. It is safe to say, if they want to alleviate the pain the wrath of Davis will put forth, they will have to put a solid performance against Davis?s most hated team and head coach ? the Broncos and Shannahan. The question is- will they?
The Broncos continue to roll and are now seeking wins to get that much treasured first round bye. Their run game has the ability to take over games- especially at home. Their passing game remains highly efficient and is a nice compliment to their run game. Their defense has holes in their secondary, yet remains one of the tougher teams to run against. The Raiders will be the third sub par team they face in a row. Can they be able to stay motivated for this game, or will they be looking ahead to that much anticipated Chargers game in week 17?
Play: Raiders +13.5
Comment:
Pros:
The main reason why I am electing to bet the Raiders is due to the generous line the books have given them. As it would be expected with a near two touchdown underdog, there aren?t many fundamental variables that work in their favor. Therefore the fundamental advantages in my write up won?t be overpowering. With that said, I see enough to make me think they warrant a play here.
The Broncos main weakness on the team is defending the second and third level passes opposing teams throw at them. This especially holds true now that the Broncos have lost their staring cornerback Williams for the year a couple of weeks ago. The Raiders greatest ?potential? asset is the ability to use their strong armed quarterback and play making receivers to attack the deep levels. Expect the Raiders to come out with a more aggressive game plan after last week?s dismal performance. Although Bailey matches up fairly well against Moss, the Broncos don?t have anyone to cover Porter. Expect Porter to get many shots downfield against the two inexperienced rookie corners that are expected to be on him. The Raiders are also going to use a lot of three receiver sets to get as many Broncos corners on the field. This advantage the Raiders have should allow them to score a decent amount of points and keep that backdoor open if necessary. One would originally assume that the loss of Jordan will hurt the Raiders chances. However, at this point of the season, I disagree. When teams have nothing to play for, the running backs tend to take it easy. But his replacements Fargas and Crocket are both fighting for a roster spot next season, which leads me to believe they will play hard throughout. I also think the absence of Jordan will make the Raiders more committed to the passing game, and make them think twice about opening that playbook and trying some more plays downfield. All in all, I like how the Raiders passing game matches up with the Broncos- especially knowing I am getting 13.5 points to boot.
The Broncos have a very dominating offense when they play at home. However, it?s an offense designed to eat up clock while their goal is to stay on the field as long as possible. Although deemed a huge asset for a team to win a football game, it is not compelling when having to lay 13.5 point on the team. The Raiders defense is also coming off an inspired performance. Expect them to play tough again against their hated rival and to impress Davis. Plummer seems to be digressing as the season progresses. He is becoming more careless with his passes, and has not shown poise when under pressure. The Raiders have a sack specialist that will be attacking Plummer?s blind side the entire game, which could potentially force Plummer into the same mistakes he has been making the last few games.
Cons:
The chance of the Broncos overlooking this game is slim. They need this game to try to get that second seed. Shannahon will also have no problem running up the score on his nemesis Davis. He has owned the Raiders in the past, and they have the fundamental advantages in this game to make you think this trend will continue. Collins has looked awful at quarterback. Without the help of a solid running back, the pressure will be on him to get out of his slump. It might be easier said than done, as it is apparent Moss isn?t trying, and Porters hands have become unreliable. The Broncos offense matches up with any defense when they play at home. It is certain that they will get their points. If the Raiders can?t score a decent amount of points, the cover is in severe jeopardy. It is clear the Raiders have hung it up for the season. Even a game against the arch nemesis might not be enough to get them motivated. Raiders? bettors be weary of a one directional loss here.
Conclusion:
Rarely do you see a rivalry this big and with so much bad blood carry such a high line. If the past is deemed to repeat itself, the underdog should make for a good investment. I see enough advantages favoring the Raiders to make me think they will keep the score within two touchdowns. I have no problem adding them in a card filled with diversified positions.
Preview:
Prior to last week?s game, I didn?t think it was possible for the Raiders to become a bigger joke than they already were. But after watching them put up only 7 points at home against a lackluster Browns team, the Raiders accomplished the impossible. Their offense has clearly thrown in the towel, while their defense has become hit or miss with their quality of play. It is safe to say Al Davis is steaming and heads will be flying come seasons end. Luckily for the Raiders, they have only two more games before their nightmarish season comes to an end. It is safe to say, if they want to alleviate the pain the wrath of Davis will put forth, they will have to put a solid performance against Davis?s most hated team and head coach ? the Broncos and Shannahan. The question is- will they?
The Broncos continue to roll and are now seeking wins to get that much treasured first round bye. Their run game has the ability to take over games- especially at home. Their passing game remains highly efficient and is a nice compliment to their run game. Their defense has holes in their secondary, yet remains one of the tougher teams to run against. The Raiders will be the third sub par team they face in a row. Can they be able to stay motivated for this game, or will they be looking ahead to that much anticipated Chargers game in week 17?
Play: Raiders +13.5
Comment:
Pros:
The main reason why I am electing to bet the Raiders is due to the generous line the books have given them. As it would be expected with a near two touchdown underdog, there aren?t many fundamental variables that work in their favor. Therefore the fundamental advantages in my write up won?t be overpowering. With that said, I see enough to make me think they warrant a play here.
The Broncos main weakness on the team is defending the second and third level passes opposing teams throw at them. This especially holds true now that the Broncos have lost their staring cornerback Williams for the year a couple of weeks ago. The Raiders greatest ?potential? asset is the ability to use their strong armed quarterback and play making receivers to attack the deep levels. Expect the Raiders to come out with a more aggressive game plan after last week?s dismal performance. Although Bailey matches up fairly well against Moss, the Broncos don?t have anyone to cover Porter. Expect Porter to get many shots downfield against the two inexperienced rookie corners that are expected to be on him. The Raiders are also going to use a lot of three receiver sets to get as many Broncos corners on the field. This advantage the Raiders have should allow them to score a decent amount of points and keep that backdoor open if necessary. One would originally assume that the loss of Jordan will hurt the Raiders chances. However, at this point of the season, I disagree. When teams have nothing to play for, the running backs tend to take it easy. But his replacements Fargas and Crocket are both fighting for a roster spot next season, which leads me to believe they will play hard throughout. I also think the absence of Jordan will make the Raiders more committed to the passing game, and make them think twice about opening that playbook and trying some more plays downfield. All in all, I like how the Raiders passing game matches up with the Broncos- especially knowing I am getting 13.5 points to boot.
The Broncos have a very dominating offense when they play at home. However, it?s an offense designed to eat up clock while their goal is to stay on the field as long as possible. Although deemed a huge asset for a team to win a football game, it is not compelling when having to lay 13.5 point on the team. The Raiders defense is also coming off an inspired performance. Expect them to play tough again against their hated rival and to impress Davis. Plummer seems to be digressing as the season progresses. He is becoming more careless with his passes, and has not shown poise when under pressure. The Raiders have a sack specialist that will be attacking Plummer?s blind side the entire game, which could potentially force Plummer into the same mistakes he has been making the last few games.
Cons:
The chance of the Broncos overlooking this game is slim. They need this game to try to get that second seed. Shannahon will also have no problem running up the score on his nemesis Davis. He has owned the Raiders in the past, and they have the fundamental advantages in this game to make you think this trend will continue. Collins has looked awful at quarterback. Without the help of a solid running back, the pressure will be on him to get out of his slump. It might be easier said than done, as it is apparent Moss isn?t trying, and Porters hands have become unreliable. The Broncos offense matches up with any defense when they play at home. It is certain that they will get their points. If the Raiders can?t score a decent amount of points, the cover is in severe jeopardy. It is clear the Raiders have hung it up for the season. Even a game against the arch nemesis might not be enough to get them motivated. Raiders? bettors be weary of a one directional loss here.
Conclusion:
Rarely do you see a rivalry this big and with so much bad blood carry such a high line. If the past is deemed to repeat itself, the underdog should make for a good investment. I see enough advantages favoring the Raiders to make me think they will keep the score within two touchdowns. I have no problem adding them in a card filled with diversified positions.
