The Raiders are just a few days away from their huge Week 16 game against the Denver Broncos. With a win on Sunday, their playoff odds would increase to 23 percent. But with a loss, they would essentially be delimited from contention.
Needless to say, it’s a pretty big game for both teams as they sit at 7-7 going into this matchup.
To preview this game, we spoke with Jon Heath, the managing editor of the Broncos Wire. Here is what he had to say about the Broncos in 2021 and how they match up against the Raiders in Week 16.
1. How big is the dropoff from Teddy Bridgewater to Drew Lock
In terms of ball security, it’s a huge dropoff. Bridgewater threw 7 interceptions and fumbled once in his 14 starts this season. When Lock started 13 games last year, he threw 15 interceptions and fumbled eight times. He also has two picks and two fumbles in three brief appearances this season. Las Vegas should be able to force a turnover or two on Sunday.
2. Why has Jerry Jeudy been so quiet since returning from his ankle injury?
There are various reasons — Jeudy himself is in a bit of a slump, sometimes the run game is so efficient Denver doesn’t need to throw much, there are three talented receivers vying for targets, and quarterback play is a big factor as well. Lock’s recklessness might actually be somewhat of a help to Jeudy, because he gives his receivers chances to make plays.
Sometimes that works out, sometimes it leads to an interception. Bridgewater’s conservative, short-passing style helps protect the ball, but it doesn’t lead to many big, explosive passing plays. Lock has a tendency to go for it all, and getting more opportunities to make something happen might help Jeudy get back on track.-
3. How has the defense performed since the Von Miller trade?
It sounds crazy to say, but Miller hasn’t been greatly missed on defense. Ironically, he’s been missed more against the run than against the pass at times this season. Denver’s pass rush hasn’t taken much of a dip, but Malik Reed isn’t as strong as Miller defending the edge against the run.
Overall, the Broncos have allowed 17 or fewer points in six of their last eight games, so the defense has held up well.
4. Give us one under-the-radar player to watch in this game.
When the Broncos and Raiders played in October, Alexander Johnson and Justin Strnad were the team’s starting inside linebackers. Johnson is now out with a season-ending injury and Strnad was benched just a few weeks after Denver lost to Las Vegas.
The Broncos acquired Kenny Young (41) from the Rams and he’s been an excellent addition at inside linebacker, filling in for Johnson.
The player to watch, though, might be third-round draft pick Baron Browning (56), who has replaced Strnad in the starting lineup. Browning was battling injuries in the first half of the season but he’s healthy now and has started seven-straight games. He’s coming off a 10-tackle performance last week and appears to have a bright future.-
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday?
This is a tough game to predict because it’s hard to have much confidence in either team. The Raiders barely got past a depleted Browns team and the Broncos only managed to score 10 points against the Bengals last week.
Lock might give Denver’s offense a little bit of a spark, but he’s also prone to give the ball away. In the end, the Broncos’ defense might be the difference-maker in this AFC West rematch. Denver, 20-13.
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