Keys to a victory in Denver
The Las Vegas Raiders play at the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT.
Here are keys to a Raiders victory:
Start fast:
Denver fans will be fired up to see their team after they won two straight road games. The Raiders need to steal the momentum early and set the tone. The Raiders have beaten the Broncos in eight straight games dating back to 2020. A fast Las Vegas start would make doubt creep in on the Denver sidelines and in the stands.
Make Bo Nix uncomfortable:
Nix is a typical rookie starting quarterbacks. He has taken his share of lumps and is going through growing pains. but he has shown glimpses and he can make some plays. If the Raiders let him get comfortable and he starts making plays early, he could have a breakout game. So, the Raiders defense must keep Nix in check early.
Play perfect on offense:
Well, maybe not perfect, but close. The Broncos’ defense has been excellent in recent weeks. They have allowed a total of 29 points in the past three games with 13 points being the highest one-game amount. The Raiders, of course, hasn’t been consistent this season and has been inconsistent from series-to-series. Gardner Minshew and company most make plays in this game.
Get Bowers more involved:
Raiders’ rookie tight end Brock Bowers’ production has been tamed somewhat. He has a total of five catches for 60 yards in the past two games after he had 15 receptions for 156 yards and led all NFL tight ends through two games. The Georgia product is a playmaker and he needs to be a priority in the receiving game.
Run ball:
After a three-game funk in which they were the worst running team in the NFL, the Raiders had production on the ground in a Week 4 win over Cleveland with 152 rushing yards. Five players had, at least, 10 yards rushing. That attack must continue against Denver’s strong defense. This team can’t win consistently until the run game gets going for good. Las Vegas must build upon what happened in Week 4.
