I’d like to congratulate the Oakland Raiders (4-6) on being my first official disappointment of the 2017-18 NFL season. For their reward, they’ll host the Denver Broncos (3-7) at the Oakland Coliseum in what has turned into a completely meaningless game Sunday afternoon.
If you want to watch it, and I don’t, it’ll be on your local CBS station at 4:25 p.m. EST.
The Game: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders (-5)
O/U: 43.0
The History
The Raiders and Broncos have played 116 games against each other. Oakland leads the all time series 62-52-2.
The Broncos have won the last two meetings, including a 16-10 earlier this season at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
DENVER BRONCOS (3-7)
It was a week of upheaval for the Broncos as offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was given the old heave-ho and sent packing. He was replaced by former Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. You might remember Musgrave as the guy that actually did a good job calling Oakland’s offense last season and was fired for it.
Not only will Musgrave take over calling the plays, but a new quarterback is stepping in to run them. Yes, second year man Paxton Lynch is finally healthy and has been handed the keys. Regardless of what happens in this game, Denver should roll with Lynch the rest of the way. They now know that Brock Osweiler and Trevor Siemian aren’t the guys. Regardless of who Vance Joseph and McCoy felt “won” the job in the off-season, they were obviously wrong.
The Broncos come into this game relatively healthy. They have no one officially listed as out, though Domata Peko is questionable and didn’t practice this week. Lynch will have Emmanuel Sanders back at wide receiver along with Demaryius Thomas on the other side. I expect to see this offense come to life under Musgrave.
With even a half way competent offense, the defense should be able to hold its own. They gave up 20 points to the Cincinnati Bengals in a loss last week thanks to short fields. They did sack Andy Dalton twice and got nine stops in the backfield.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-6)
Of all the weeks to completely stink up the place, the Raiders picked last Sunday at home against the New England Patriots to clear the building like Rob Ryan clears a Denny’s men’s room. The Raiders were completely dominated in a 33-8 loss to the Pats that showed them exactly who they are and where they are. Both those things rhyme with “toilet.”
Derek Carr was 28 for 49 for 237 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It might not be fair to judge his recent performances considering he’s still dealing with back fractures, but he’s just not getting the job done. You know who else has yet to put on his hard hat and grab a lunch pail? Marshawn Lynch. He had 11 carries for 67 yards last week. His most effective play of the season was running out on the field and pushing a ref a few weeks ago.
Staring down at a losing record and a defense that presents itself like a mandrill in heat, head coach Jack Del Rio fired defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. John Pagano, who was the DC for the San Diego Chargers last season, takes over calling the defenses. Will it make a difference in this game? Hell, it can’t get any worse.
David Amerson is still out. Cordarelle Patterson is listed as questionable with a hip and didn’t practice Friday.
The Pick
At this point, anything could happen with the Raiders and I wouldn’t be surprised. The last time these two teams met up, Denver handled them fine, holding Oakland to just 10 points. That was without Carr, but he’s not been all that great since he came back. I came into this pick thinking I’d go with the Raiders, but I’ve talked myself out of it. That normally doesn’t work too well, but I’m rolling with it. Broncos 20, Raiders 17
This week
Straight up: 1-2
Against the spread: 1-2
Last week
Straight up: 5-8
Against the spread: 4-9
Season
Straight up: 92-67
Against the spread: 79-79
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