1-1 Yesterday, and still a very poor 2-6 on the year. This is a marathon though, still, and I like my chances to rebound starting tonight.
Oakland +5 @ Denver
One of the best rivalries in the game continues tonight with the Oakland offense reeling, and the Denver D flying high. Can Oakland stay in it?
Key Matchup:
Charlie Garner vs. Denver Front Seven.
It's no secret the Raiders have struggled on offense, but Garner can create problems.
He had 15 catches in their two games last year, and has 13 in his first two this year.
Broncs' DT Gardener, if he plays, will be playing hurt, and the Denver defensive line already looks much better than they are, as Denver's jumped out to big leads and has taken the ball out of Dillon's and Tomlinson's hands.
Rich Gannon is no Kitna or Brees and any help Garner can give him will go a long way towards a Raiders cover.
Stat to Watch:
Oakland Rushing yards.
I don't necessarily expect the Raiders to pile up the yards on the ground, but if they do, Denver could be in trouble.
Oakland has won three of the last four in this series, and they've rushed for at least 115 yards in two of those. The exception, of course, was on Monday night last year, when, if not for a bad official's call on a Garner out of bounds play, Gannon would have completed 30 attempts in a row.
Gannon hasn't been able to find the same rhythm this year, and needs help from his backs.
The Raiders could muster only 51 yards on the ground in their last loss vs. Denver.
Bottom Line:
I can't help but think that this will be one of those heavyweight bouts between division rivals with 25 penalties, and multiple turnovers and sacks that lasts until about 1 A.M (EST).
Both teams should be able to move the ball effectively, but the defenses should stand strong when it counts.
Denver's been hot, but they're only 1-6 ATS over the last two years off a win vs. a division rival.
Oakland has been great historically as road dogs, and given their dire situation, I think they'll keep this close throughout, and we'll end up within three points either way.
My Pick:
Oakland +5
Good luck,
Space.
Oakland +5 @ Denver
One of the best rivalries in the game continues tonight with the Oakland offense reeling, and the Denver D flying high. Can Oakland stay in it?
Key Matchup:
Charlie Garner vs. Denver Front Seven.
It's no secret the Raiders have struggled on offense, but Garner can create problems.
He had 15 catches in their two games last year, and has 13 in his first two this year.
Broncs' DT Gardener, if he plays, will be playing hurt, and the Denver defensive line already looks much better than they are, as Denver's jumped out to big leads and has taken the ball out of Dillon's and Tomlinson's hands.
Rich Gannon is no Kitna or Brees and any help Garner can give him will go a long way towards a Raiders cover.
Stat to Watch:
Oakland Rushing yards.
I don't necessarily expect the Raiders to pile up the yards on the ground, but if they do, Denver could be in trouble.
Oakland has won three of the last four in this series, and they've rushed for at least 115 yards in two of those. The exception, of course, was on Monday night last year, when, if not for a bad official's call on a Garner out of bounds play, Gannon would have completed 30 attempts in a row.
Gannon hasn't been able to find the same rhythm this year, and needs help from his backs.
The Raiders could muster only 51 yards on the ground in their last loss vs. Denver.
Bottom Line:
I can't help but think that this will be one of those heavyweight bouts between division rivals with 25 penalties, and multiple turnovers and sacks that lasts until about 1 A.M (EST).
Both teams should be able to move the ball effectively, but the defenses should stand strong when it counts.
Denver's been hot, but they're only 1-6 ATS over the last two years off a win vs. a division rival.
Oakland has been great historically as road dogs, and given their dire situation, I think they'll keep this close throughout, and we'll end up within three points either way.
My Pick:
Oakland +5
Good luck,
Space.
