The Raiders head to Denver to take on their longtime rivals in this AFC West battle. Our Raiders vs Broncos prediction is for the Broncos to win outright at home. (-150).
Offshore Odds: Broncos Favored by a Field Goal
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | +3 (-120) | +130 | O 35.5 (-110) |
| Broncos | -3 (+100) | -150 | U 35.5 (-110) |
Raiders vs Broncos Head-to-Head History
The Raiders and Broncos go back more than 60 years to the early days of the AFL. The Raiders have the overwhelming advantage with a 73-54-2 record. The Broncos have had the more recent run of success after the Raiders’ “Commitment to Excellence” under late owner Al Davis hit the skids.
Raiders Experiencing Familiar Drama
Las Vegas has been predictably unpredictable having beaten two teams — the Ravens and Browns — who are far better on paper. They also lost to the Chargers and the struggling Panthers.
In addition, head coach Antonio Pierce accused some of his players of making “business decisions” in after the loss to Carolina meaning they were thinking about themselves above the team.
Still, despite the Raiders being in the lower half of the NFL in both offense and defense, they have found ways to win against two good teams. Gardner Minshew has been good enough and mistake-free enough, and they have a burgeoning weapon with future All-Pro TE Brock Bowers.
The ever-present drama has reared its head this week with star wide receiver Davante Adams injuring his hamstring and asking to be traded. The club is expected to accommodate him. Several key players in addition to Adams are ailing with Maxx Crosby suffering an ankle injury and RB Zamir White dealing with a groin injury.
Broncos Have Problems of Their Own
In last week’s victory over the Jets, Denver’s rookie QB Bo Nix was 12 for 25 with 60 yards passing. The weather may have played a role, with Jets QB Aaron Rodgers not faring much better. Nix has been inconsistent so far in his early career. Head coach Sean Payton is nursing him through.
As troubled as their offense has been, the defense has been stout and is carrying them. Last season, Payton was warring with quarterback Russell Wilson and still nearly got them to the playoffs. There’s a gap in coaching experience as the Super Bowl champion Payton faces the inexperienced Pierce, which should benefit Denver.
Raiders vs Broncos Prediction
The Raiders will have trouble moving the ball against the Broncos’ stout defense. It’s unlikely that Payton will cut it loose with Nix, but the young QB has shown a penchant for making plays late in games. Although the spread is only a field goal, the Broncos money line is the safer bet for this NFL game.
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