The Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) will go on the road to face the Denver Broncos (5-10) in Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Check out our quick preview of the game below.
Raiders’ keys to victory: When Las Vegas hosted the Broncos earlier this season, the Raiders ran all over Denver’s defense, with RB Josh Jacobs totaling 112 yards and two scores on the ground. Backup RB Devontae Booker also made a statement against his former team, rushing for 81 yards and two scores of his own. QB Derek Carr didn’t have to do much besides managing the game, passing for only 154 yards. A similar offensive game plan should work again in the Raiders’ season finale. On defense, Las Vegas will need to stack the box and force the Broncos to beat them with a passing attack that has been inconsistent this season.
Broncos’ keys to victory: When Denver faced Las Vegas in Week 10, the Broncos fell behind and had to abandon the run game to try to catch up. RB Melvin Gordon finished the day with fewer than 50 rushing yards but he was only given 11 carries. With more touches this week, Gordon should be able to move the ball against a Raiders defense that has struggled to stop the run all season. Establishing a strong rushing attack would take some pressure off young QB Drew Lock, who has been prone to turnovers when trying to win games on his own. On defense, the Broncos will have a similar game plan as the Raiders, focusing on stopping the run and daring Carr to beat them through the air.
Matchup to watch: Raiders TE Darren Waller vs. Broncos LB Alexander Johnson. Waller has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL this year, earning a Pro Bowl nod in recognition of his huge season. When he faced Denver earlier this year, though, the 1,000-yard receiver was held to three catches for 37 yards. Johnson won’t be lined up against Waller every play, but he’s one of the Broncos’ best coverage linebackers and he’ll aim to limit Waller’s production again this week.
Who wins? Both these teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, so Denver and Las Vegas will be playing for pride in a classic AFC West rivalry game. Playing at home and eager to avenge a 37-12 loss from earlier this year, the Broncos will aim to upset the Raiders in a run-heavy, low-scoring battle. Broncos, 17-13.
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