Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders: Spread
6 September, 2008
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The main reason I like this pick (broncos vs raiders) is because I find that Denver’s offense clearly outmatches Oakland’s defense. Jay Cutler appears to be ready for a breakout season. He was absolutely fantastic in the preseason completing 30/43 passes (69.8%) for 352 yards, 3 touchdowns and a rating of 117.6. At this point in time Cutler is without a doubt a much more efficient quarterback than JaMarcus Russell. In the preseason, the Raiders’ QB completed 26/50 passes (52%) for 228 yards, throwing 1 touchdown and an interception, for a rating of 62.8. |
| Oakland is going to rely on its running game to gain yards against Denver. Both teams were amongst the bottom 3 in the league last year in rushing yards allowed. This means that Denver can mixup its offensive play calls on the ground and in the air, meanwhile the Oakland Raiders only have an advantage on the ground. Denver may have to rely a little bit more on its running game as their number one wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, will not be playing due to a suspension. However, the Raiders are amongst the least effective teams when it comes to the pass rush as they ranked 28th in sacks 2007. If the Raiders do not apply substantial pressure on Jay Cutler, he could easily throw for over 300 yards, even without having Brandon Marshall as a target. I expect this to be an entertaining Monday night game where the team with the better offense will come out on top. I have no doubt that Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos will be the more productive team offensively.
Prediction: Denver 27 Oakland 17 |
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