Broncos vs. Raiders: Full Predictions

A few weeks ago, the Raiders traveling a few hours to Denver to face the Broncos looked like the game of the year. Oakland was holding steadily onto an AFC Wild Card spot while the Broncos looked like they were favorites to surge to Super Bowl 50 and snatch one final Lombardi Trophy for Peyton Manning.

Oh, how the times have changed.

Welcome to Week 14 — the Raiders are desperately struggling to stay above water in an oft-changing AFC race. Their divisional counterparts send Brock Osweiler out, potentially for the remainder of the season, to do the job they had hoped a 14-time Pro Bowler could. Possible? Sure. Likely? We’ll find out after these critical late-season divisional matchups.

The Predictions

Here’s what our Erik Lambert had to say:

"The Broncos are hot right now and their defense is dictating the pace of every game. As long as Osweiler doesn’t screw it up, their talent should make this game another W. However, I would warn that this could easily be a trap game. Derek Carr and that offense can’t be taken lightly and the Raiders have a history of ruining weekends for Denver fans. This could easily be a trap game if they’re not careful."

Erik isn’t wrong. Denver, on paper and quite frankly overall, should roll smoothly to a victory. The pieces are in place and the game-plan has been solid from Week 1. But, early self-inflicted gunshot wounds could very well prove to be the difference.

Our Matthew Holowiak is on the same page:

"I’m saying 28-24 Broncos. Oakland will put up a very good fight and keep it close, but I see the run game from Denver coming alive and Brock looking more comfortable leading that offense every week."

As for myself?

I’ve bought into this Denver team all year long. It truly isn’t that difficult — Osweiler is ready. Heck, what does he have to do other than play a clean game? The rest of his squad will take care of the rest.

Denver wins, 28-23.