The Raiders will attempt to win their first game since September on Sunday when the Broncos visit Las Vegas. Coach Antonio Pierce has already seen his team lose six straight games, and he needs to get in the win column sooner rather than later to stave off rumors about his job security, or lack thereof.
Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. Pacific time on CBS. The game will air in Denver, Las Vegas, and a large area surrounding the two cities, according to 506sports.com. The game will also be broadcast in Dallas, Indianapolis, Chicago, Washington, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
The Broncos (6-5) beat the Falcons 38-6 last week behind four touchdown throws from rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Nix has looked great lately and will present a challenge to the Raiders defense, much more so than earlier in the year when Las Vegas faced Denver on the road.
As for the Raiders (2-8), Pierce based his plan for success this season on having a potent rushing attack. But the run game has been nearly non-existent in Las Vegas, tanking Pierce’s entire operation.
But new offensive coordinator Scott Turner injected some life into the offense last week against the Dolphins. Turner figures to have different running backs carry the load against the Broncos, as Zamir White and Alexander Mattison are doubtful to play. Veteran Ameer Abdullah, who had a touchdown catch last week, and rookie Dylan Laube will likely get an opportunity.
A solid run game will help the defense as well. Injuries have decimated that group, and extra rest provided by a competent offense would provide a boost. And of course, expect to see Turner get the ball to superstar rookie tight end Brock Bowers early and often.
Pierce did well against AFC West opponents last season as interim coach. Can he do the same this year, perhaps saving his job in the process? We’ll find out soon enough.