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Week 16 of the NFL will showcase an entertaining AFC West matchup. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with a Broncos-Raiders prediction & pick.
The Denver Broncos are coming off a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last time out. Starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater left the game on a cart due to a concussion. He will be out this week and backup Drew Lock will take over. He's seen success in the past so it's not going to be anything new for him. Denver is 7-7 on the year and 7-7 against the spread. I think many would say it's been a surprise to see the Broncos where they are at right now. They are just a game outside of the playoffs but have big-time wins against the Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Football Team this year.
For more insight on the Broncos-Raiders matchup in Week 16, listen below:
The Las Vegas Raiders are fresh off a last-second win over the Cleveland Browns last Monday night. Vegas is now 7-7 on the year but 5-9 against the spread. Vegas also has a major win over the Cowboys this year which was their last win prior to Week 15. This will be a very important matchup for the Raiders as they beat the Broncos the first time they played. The winner of this game will likely get a chance for the final wild-card spot. The loser may end their season earlier than hoped.
Here is how FanDuel set the Broncos-Raiders line for Week 16.
NFL Odds: Broncos-Raiders Odds
Denver Broncos: -1 (-106)
Las Vegas Raiders: +1 (-114)
Over: 41 (-118)
Under: 41 (-104)
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Why The Broncos Could Cover The Spread
The Broncos are going to cover this spread by their defense. Denver contains one of the better defenses in the NFL this season, keeping teams under 20 points on average. The offense will be a whole other story as it's tough to tell how Lock will play as a starter. Lock's last start in Week 17 last year, he threw for 339 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to the Raiders. It's safe to say that Lock is familiar with the Raiders and so he could once again play well. Interestingly enough though, Lock did throw four interceptions against the Raiders last year as well. It's going to be on him to limit those turnovers and the Broncos' defense to win the game for Denver.
Why The Raiders Could Cover The Spread
The Raiders' chances would've been a lot higher if Darren Waller returned to the team. With him out still, I find it pretty difficult for the Raiders to put up many points in this Broncos defense. Ever since the Broncos traded away Von Miller, their defense started to play really well. Keeping teams under 20 points is not easy to do and the Raiders offense is struggling right now. Derek Carr will need to play extremely well and not commit any turnovers. Receiver Hunter Renfrow will need to continue to be the go-to guy with Waller out, and if he plays well their chances rise. Vegas will need to force Lock to commit a couple of turnovers to give them a better chance at covering the spread.
Final Broncos-Raiders Prediction & Pick
This game could go either way. Both teams are 4-7 in their last 11 games after starting the year 3-0. They are as evenly matched as it gets so it's possible it comes down to the final possession. The Raiders are the home team but did win in Denver earlier in the year. It's going to be close, but I am actually taking the Broncos to win on the road and cover the 1-point spread. The Denver run game will be a major factor and I also expect them to keep it low scoring. The over/under is pretty low for an NFL game but I think the under has a better chance of happening. I don't see this being a high-scoring affair at all.
Final Broncos-Raiders Prediction & Pick: Broncos -1 (-106) & Under: 41 (-104)
