Despite finishing the 2018 season with two fewer wins than the Broncos, the Raiders have opened as 2.5-point favorites against Denver in Week 1, according to Westgate Las Vegas (via OddsShark.com).
The Raiders went 4-12 last year and they will host the Broncos, who went 6-10 last year, on “Monday Night Football” on Sept. 9. The divisional rivalry game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
Oddsmakers spot the home team a three-point advantage, so Oakland isn’t considered a huge favorite. And it’s not really an insult to Denver to open as an underdog because the team is opening the year on the road.
The Broncos dominated the Raiders during the Peyton Manning era, posting a 7-1 win-loss record. Since Manning’s retirement, though, the series has evened up. Denver is 3-3 against Oakland since 2016.
After facing the Raiders in Week 1, the Broncos will face them again in Week 17, closing out the regular season at home. To view the team’s complete regular season schedule, click here.
