The Denver Broncos Week 16 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is one of the most important games on Sunday. Both franchises are tied with a 7-7 record. The winner of this contest will keep their playoff hopes alive, while the loser's chances drastically fall. We go over this Broncos-Raiders game with some of our Broncos Week 16 predictions in mind.

Denver's defense has kept this team competitive all year. This is the strongest asset the Broncos have and we should see them flying around the field on Sunday. Look for this defense to disrupt Derek Carr all day, as they'll aim to keep the Raiders out of the end zone.

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The offense has been a roller coaster this year and has prevented the Broncos from truly shining. Regardless, this is a big game for this franchise and the stars should come out to play. Noah Fant is one of the best young tight ends in the league and could be in for a massive performance. For that to happen, Drew Lock will have to uncharacteristically put up big numbers. If that happens, Denver could defeat the Raiders and increase their chances of earning a playoff spot.

With that said, here are four bold Broncos Week 16 predictions for their matchup against the Raiders.

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Broncos Week 16 Predictions

4. Denver's defense is too much for Las Vegas to handle

This game gets interesting anytime the Raiders have the ball. The Broncos defense is the real deal and they'll be doing everything possible to slow down Las Vegas. Their secondary is elite and the pass rush has sustained even after trading Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams.

With Las Vegas struggling offensively and dealing with injuries, now is the time for the Broncos to strike. Look for Denver to get aggressive on defense as they hope to knock Derek Carr out of his comfort zone.

3. Noah Fant leads his team in receiving 

Noah Fant led his team in receptions in their last game, as Drew Lock fed him the ball after Teddy Bridgewater was knocked out of the contest. With Bridgewater already ruled out, Lock will take over under center. He has a history of targeting Fant often, which bodes well for the Broncos' tight end.

2. Drew Lock surprisingly puts up 200 yards and 2 touchdowns

Denver seems to be moving on from Drew Lock after this season. Even so, he's still a prospect in the NFL and could be a late bloomer. Although Bridgewater is the Broncos' starting quarterback right now, Week 16 is Lock's time to prove himself once again.

The Raiders' pass rush is solid, so Lock must be prepared to get rid of the ball quickly. Luckily for him, he has a talented group of receivers and a running back group that can take the pressure off. This will be an interesting game for Drew Lock, as the Broncos' playoff hopes and his career outlook are both in jeopardy.

1. Broncos find a way to win and keep their postseason chances alive

A win keeps this franchise in the playoff hunt while a loss could prove to be detrimental. This game against the Raiders is the most crucial moment for Denver this season. The Broncos haven't been in the postseason since 2015 when they won the Super Bowl. If this team can get back in the playoffs, it'll prove they have a worthy roster to attract any superstar caliber quarterback in the offseason.