Tonight two old rivals hook up in the Mile High City when the Oakland Raiders visit the Denver Broncos. This rivalry used to be one of the fiercest in the NFL during the 1980s and 90s but has lost some of its importance since the Raiders have struggled for much of the past decade.
Denver entered this season as the overwhelming favorite to win the AFC West as they ran away with it last season. At this point, the Broncos have the second shortest odds on many sportsbooks such as topbet, to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
Over the first two weeks of the season, the Broncos have played as they have been expected and have covered the favorite spreads.
The division seems to be more competitive this season and that makes it even more important the Broncos continue winning.
New Head Coach Andy Reid has brought stability to the Kansas City Chiefs and their defense has played nothing short of spectacular in the first three games of the season.
Even Oakland, who has been considered doormats in the league of late, is showing new life with a 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS start. They had a chance to beat Indianapolis in week 1 before defeating Jacksonville in week 2.
The Broncos on most sportsbook like Bovada, betonline or sportsbook.com are favored by 15 with an over under point total of 50 in tonight’s matchup.
Over a week ago, the game opened with lines of 14.5 to 15 and has stayed in that area since.
Oakland has a dual threat at quarterback in Terrell Pryor who has 162 rushing yards on 22 carries. Talented running back Darren McFadden has 177 yards in two games and that has helped keep opposing defenses wondering who will run the ball.
The Raiders are second in the league behind just Philadelphia in rushing yards per carry and per game, and the Eagles have played 3 games to the Raiders 2. The Raiders have run the ball more than 50% of the time thus far after two games.
Pryor has also passed well with 343 years in two games and one touchdown. However, the Raiders will face a tough secondary for Denver and a talented defensive line.
Oakland must have long time consuming drives that end in touchdowns and hope their defense can at least slow Peyton Manning down.
Oakland, since 2003, has covered as a double digit underdog three times, with two of the covers being outright victories. Both were in Denver in 2004 and in 2009.
Nevertheless, this season Manning has the Broncos running on all cylinders. I like Denver less the 15 and the OVER to cash out.