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Matchup Advantage to Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos

By Carl Cockerham

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
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 /
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Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders Offense vs Broncos Defense

This matchup is going to be why NFL fans and players will have their popcorn ready Sunday night. Derek Carr’s explosive, No. 5-ranked offense will go against the Broncos’ No. 3-ranked defense. The Broncos are the NFL’s best in coverage and pressuring the QB so far.

But Raiders WRs Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are the most productive duo in the NFL. The Broncos are tied for the most sacks while the Raiders allow the least amount of sacks in the NFL. This will likely be the battle that decides who wins the game.

But keep in mind, the Broncos play six of eight games against bottom-feeder 10 pass-protecting teams. They haven’t played a single game against a Top-10 pass-protecting team. Meanwhile the Broncos will be the third top-sacking team in the NFL the Raiders play.

And the Broncos’ run defense isn’t the same at No. 23, giving up 4.3 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Raiders are No. 8 in rushing and average 4.8 yards per carry right now. Carr can get that Broncos secondary in spots without CB Aquib Talib if the Raiders run.

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