The NFL takes us into Christmas Day with the final match of week 16 as the Oakland Raiders host the Denver Broncos in the last Monday Night Football of the campaign in yet another televised divisional clash.
This will be the penultimate match of the campaign for both teams as they are both out of playoff contention. Hopefully that will free them up to entertain us with a competitive and good quality encounter.
Oakland Raiders
There was a lot initially expected of the Oakland Raiders when Jon Gruden returned as head coach but when they traded Khalil Mack away the signs were there that they were going to use the campaign to completely rebuild. That was further emphasised when Amari Cooper was allowed to be traded away and the overall result of that is a 3-11 record.
Although their thoughts have been on next season for a while, a Christmas Eve clash against divisional rivals at home should get their juices flowing and if this is to be the last match at the Coliseum the Raiders will be wanting to go out on something of a high. Their ability to run the ball will be the key to any success.
Denver Broncos
While two sides flying in their division did not help, there is no disputing that this has been a very ordinary campaign for the Denver Broncos. When the season began they would have been looking at more than a 6-8 record and to not even be in contention for a wildcard spot certainly was not the plan. You get the feeling Vance Joseph’s seat is getting very warm and more defeats in their last two matches could see the end of him.
The Broncos just haven’t been able to get any offense going through the air. It hasn’t helped that Emmanuel Sanders went down injured. That made the decision to trade Demaryius Thomas away a strange one even allowing for his age while Case Keenum has been good or awful with little or nothing in between.
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Betting
I expect the Oakland Raiders to be up for this match given the occasion but I still don’t think they are going to get much joy out of this Denver Broncos defence. Clearly this has not been a good season for the Broncos but there are some proud players on their side who will want to end the campaign on a high.
It is hard to get anything going in the passing game against this Denver defence and with Oakland struggling to run the ball I’m expecting the Broncos to come through here comfortably enough to cover a relatively small handicap. Whether it is through Keenum or pounding the ground with Philip Lindsay the Broncos can restore some pride here.
Tips
Back Denver Broncos (-2.5) to beat Oakland Raiders for a 4/10 stake at 1.87 with Betfred
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