The Denver Broncos (3-6) will host the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 11 of the 2022 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s our quick preview for the AFC West showdown.
Raiders’ keys to victory: Las Vegas should lean on RB Josh Jacobs the same way they did when they played Denver in Week 4. Jacobs rushed 28 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns the first time he faced the Broncos this season, and Denver hasn’t made any notable personnel changes since then. The Raiders will want to establish a rushing attack to help take pressure off of QB Derek Carr, who has five interceptions and three fumbles through nine games this year. On defense, DE Maxx Crosby will lead a unit aiming to disrupt the Broncos’ passing game with a relentless pass rush.
Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver’s offense is at its best when QB Russell Wilson feels comfortable making plays with his legs. Wilson is still among the league’s best QBs in terms of his ability to extend plays to either find a WR downfield or scramble himself to pick up positive yards. When the QB is restricted to the pocket, the Broncos’ offense has found less success. Denver’s staff should find ways to get Wilson moving because that’s when he’s most dangerous, and it gives the team’s talented weapons more time to get open. On the other side of the ball, the Broncos’ line has to shore up a sometimes leaky run defense.
Matchup to watch: Raiders WR Davante Adams vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Adams had a good game against Denver earlier this year, catching nine passes for 101 yards. Four of those receptions (and 46 yards) came against Surtain. The young cornerback might follow the veteran receiver more often in Sunday’s rematch.
Who wins? The Raiders are 0-5 on the road this season, and Denver always has a notable home-field advantage playing a mile above sea level. Broncos 24, Raiders 20.
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