For the Denver Broncos, it's Raiders week! That has long drawn the excitement of those within Broncos Country as it has long been the team's most bitter rival. As the teams prepare to square off in Week 5, the Raiders have taken the last eight games from the Broncos.
The Broncos head into the game having won two straight to get to 2-2 on the year. The Raiders are coming off a tense victory over the Cleveland Browns that put their record at 2-2. That all leads to a key divisional matchup with the winning team keeping pace with the Kansas City Chiefs and the losing team facing an uphill climb to get back into the race.
How do the experts see it? Let's take a look at some predictions for this game.
NFL picks, predictions Week 5: Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Broncos 20, Raiders 17
Iyer: "The Raiders beat the Ravens and Browns but lost to the Chargers and Panthers. The Broncos lost to the Seahawks and Steelers but beat the Buccaneers and Jets. It's difficult to know which version of either team will show up, especially with the added twist of a heated divisional rivalry game. Defense should rule with limited offenses on the field, and Denver is hotter on that side of the ball."
Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Broncos 18, Raiders 17
Bender: "The Raiders managed to beat Cleveland despite injuries to key players such as Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams, but the tag team of Alexander Mattison and Zamir White kept Las Vegas in business. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has benefitted from a strong defense that allowed 29 points in the past three weeks. The Raiders have won eight straight games against the Broncos since moving to Las Vegas. Nix ends that streak."
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Broncos 17, Raiders 13
Cluff: "The winner of this game moves to 3-2. We expect a defensive struggle and we have to give the edge to the team that has allowed just 55 points all season (Denver)."
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: Broncos 17, Raiders 13
Rolfe: "It’s a mystery that either of these two teams is 2-2, but more so the Las Vegas Raiders, who rank 25th in net EPA per game. They’re 25th when it comes to offensive EPA per game and 20th on defense.
There’s not a lot to be positive about here. The comeback against the Ravens was incredible but unsustainable, and beating up on the Browns proves nothing.
The Broncos have built this season on fantastic defense, and it’s largely paying off. They are third in the league in points allowed, thanks to a defense that is third in EPA per game. The offense is bad, ranking third from the bottom in EPA per game, but doing enough to keep them in games and grab a couple of wins.
I cannot believe we are contemplating laying points with Denver. It’s probably the right play, but I cannot do it. Instead, I’m going to look at the under here with two teams averaging 35 points per game."
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