Matchup Advantage to Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos

1 of 4

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos center Matt Paradis (61) lines up to snap the football across from Oakland Raiders nose tackle Denico Autry (96) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Many around the NFL have the Denver Broncos beating the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. They don’t even have it close but a close examination of the matchup says otherwise.

After over a decade off, the rivalry between the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders is back! And the franchises will have a showdown for AFC West supremacy Sunday. They both sit at 6-2, tied for first in the AFC West until the end of this game.

Many are leaning heavily toward the Denver Broncos out of respect to a defending champion. Then there is the respect that goes to their defense that’s No. 3 in the NFL right now. They’re also tied for No. 1 in the NFL in sacks with 26.

They QB Trevor Siemian, who’s nothing special with the No. 27-ranked offense. Within the overall ranking, the Broncos are No. 27 throwing the ball and No. 20 running it. But that offense keeps the turnovers down and doesn’t mess things up for the defense.

On the other side, the Raiders are No. 5 in total offense—No. 4 in passing and No. 8 in rushing. Then on defense, they’re No. 31 overall—No. 17 against the pass and No. 28 against the run. But there are a few factors in this that tilt this thing toward the Raiders.

Turn the page to see what they are.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders