Staff Predictions: Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos

Raiders rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper (No. 89) gives his team a chance for big plays every time the ball comes his way.

And it’s hard to blame them. Hence, the Raiders should have an advantage in this matchup. Names like JaMarcus Russell, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Rolando McClain looked good at the time, but many of those players flamed out in their time with the Raiders. But come Sundays, he’s the same old Woodson – meaning he doesn’t look old at all. “The guys that we have right now, I think we can go a long way”. David Amerson, claimed off waivers from Washington two weeks ago, made his first start of the year during last week’s loss to Chicago. Prior to that game, however, he had been an impressive back when given the opportunity.

The Raiders will have their hands full against the Broncos, but showing signs of improvement from the past seasons, an inspired performance from the Raiders in front of their home crowd may be enough to get them the big win.

And at a few point Sunday in O.co Coliseum, Miller or Ware or both, will drop a spin move on a Raiders lineman because they believe the time is right.

The Denver Broncos released fullback James Casey on Saturday to make room for defensive end Derek Wolfe, who is coming off a suspension.

Against the Raiders, Manning owns a career 9-2 record, has completed almost 70 percent of his passes (278/404) for 3,162 yards, has thrown 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, and has a QB rating of 103.7.

While his selection was a surprise, he’s been a good fit as a Raider and the atypical kicker who can actually produce an intimidating presence.

The Denver Broncos have been interesting this year as they’ve maintained their high level of play, but instead of doing so offensively, they’ve done so defensively. The streak began the next year in Oakland when Tebow ran past the Raiders and has continued for Manning’s three-plus seasons in Denver. Defensively, the Broncos are playing very well in their ability to force teams to make mistakes with tight coverage and quarterback pressure.

ROAD WARRIORS: The Broncos have won four straight division titles and a major reason has been their dominance on the road. “But he went away to Green Bay (and) matured not only as a football player but as a man”. He now has 1,605 points. One silver lining, though, is Carr’s improved effectiveness against the blitz this year. The Broncos have taken down every opponent, but the Vikings by more than a score and I’m not sure why that should stop now.