The Oakland Raiders are looking to repeat their dominance of the Denver Broncos in 2011 when they meet them for their Monday Night Football nightcap meeting September 12. This Denver Bronco team will be decidedly different from last year’s pushovers, who lost both games to the Oakland Raiders last season.
Von Miller’s addition as the second overall NFL Draft pick and the return of Elvis Dumervil will make this Bronco defense on of the most formidable in years. Dumervil dominated the line two years ago for the Broncos and his loss was a major reason the defense suffered in 2010.
Denver Broncos Offense vs Oakland Raiders Defense
Kyle Orton’s return to the starting lineup is huge for this Denver Broncos offense. Orton is an NFL quarterback with enough potential to become a top five NFL quarterback this season. He has enough weapons and he has shown he can rattle off 300 yard-plus passing games.
The Oakland Raiders defense lost Nnamdi Asomugha in the off-season and they will have to overcome the temptation to let down without their best defensive player. The Raiders have some strong up and coming defensive players but Asomugha’s absence will take its toll. The Broncos and Orton have the edge over the Oakland Raiders.
Oakland Raiders Offense vs Denver Broncos Defense
The Oakland Raiders offense revolves around Darren McFadden. When McFadden struggles, Michael Bush is a suitable replacement but McFadden is the man. There is plenty of speed among the receivers but they need to hold onto the ball. Another concern is protection for Jason Campbell. This Broncos defense may scramble Campbell’s brain and hurt his confidence.
Von Miller is a monster for the Denver Broncos in the middle. Miller and Dumervil will give offensive lines major issues this season. Dumervil is a stud and Miller will make Dumervil the most dangerous pass-rusher in the NFL. The Denver Broncos defense will destroy the Raiders offense in this game.
Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos -2: Pick Against the Spread and Breakdown
The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook has made the Denver Broncos a two-point favorite for this Monday Night Football tilt. The Broncos have the edge in all departments and they are hosting the Oakland Raiders for this game.
The keys to this game will be the Oakland Raiders passing game and the Raiders pass defense. If the Raiders young corners are unexpectedly impressive in this game or the Raiders receivers can hold on to the ball, the Raiders will win. Take the Denver Broncos -2 to beat the Raiders by 10 points in this game.
Sources:
NFL Websites: Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos