The Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders resume their AFC West rivalry when they meet at the Oakland Coliseum on Sunday. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:25 PM. ET and has Super Bowl 2018 playoff implications.
The Broncos came into the season with playoff aspirations, after finishing 9-7 last season. However, things haven’t gone as planned, and the Broncos are all but eliminated from the playoffs following a six game losing streak that has them at 3-7 for the year.
Even though the quarterback play has rightfully received most of the blame for their disappointing season, their defense also shares some of the blame.
Even though they are considered one of the best defensive units in the country, the Broncos haven’t played defense very well this year. They currently allow 25.9 points per game, which is 25th in the league, and their opponents have scored at least 20 points against them in the past six games.
Things are so bad in Denver right now that team president, John Elway, called the team soft on Friday.
Since the Broncos don’t have much of a chance of making the playoffs, they might as well try to prevent their rivals from making it as well by defeating them this week.
The Raiders have been very inconsistent this season, which is why they find themselves at 4-6 and in danger of missing the playoffs.
The Raiders had a chance to level their record at 5-5 and give themselves a better chance of making the playoffs, but they laid an egg against the Patriots, and were defeated 33-8.
Now, if Oakland wants to make it back to the playoffs for the second consecutive season, they will need to win their remaining six games to give themselves a shot, which means they have to defeat the Broncos on Sunday.
The Raiders are favored to win the game by 5 points. The over/under on total points scored is not yet available. The Raiders have their backs against the wall here, so I expect them to be focused and get the win. Take Oakland -5. If you want to play on this game or any other team to make the 2018 playoffs at their chance to play in Superbowl 2018 then check out the above reviewed sports betting sites.
