The Las Vegas Raiders return home for a divisional matchup with the Denver Broncos, looking to avenge last month’s narrow loss. As always, this is your one-stop preview for injuries, fantasy outlooks, betting angles and more. Let’s dive in.
Vibes
What vibes? Raider Nation doesn’t have much to rally around, aside from hoping the rookies see the field. Even so, this should remain a close game, largely because the Broncos rarely put anyone away. At some point, Denver’s habit of doing just enough will catch up to them. If they’re ever going to win one convincingly, this week offers as good a chance as any.
Injury News
As of Thursday, the injury outlook is relatively clean. Raiders tight end Michael Mayer and receiver Dont’e Thornton have yet to practice and appear unlikely to play. Maxx Crosby also sat out, though he is expected to suit up as long as he’s upright. In fact, his own head coach made it known that Crosby will in all likelihood play. For Denver, only nose tackle DJ Jones and backup tight end Nate Adkins are in real doubt. Linebacker Drew Sanders and running back J.K. Dobbins were placed on injured reserve last week and remain out.
AFC West Power Rankings: Raiders & Broncos renew hostilities in Week 14
Fantasy News
After the way the last meeting unfolded, this is a fantasy matchup worth avoiding. The safest plays are the kickers and both defenses, with rookie backs Ashton Jeanty and RJ Harvey offering enough volume to justify starts. Top targets Brock Bowers and Cortland Sutton remain viable, but options such as Tre Tucker, Troy Franklin and Evan Engram fall squarely into the “start at your own risk” category.
Gambling Corner
This is a difficult game to bet on. Under 39.5 total points would normally feel like a safe play, but garbage-time scoring remains a legitimate concern. The number isn’t unplayable, yet an alternate line such as under 41.5 offers better protection if the value is there. The 7.5-point spread is just as unappealing. Denver hasn’t won a game by more than a field goal since its 20-point victory over Dallas in Week 8, while Las Vegas has dropped its last three contests by double digits. If forced to choose, leaning toward the Raiders to cover makes sense in what projects to be a low-scoring matchup.
Props may offer the best value this week. Ashton Jeanty to score at +120 is strong value, especially considering Denver has focused on limiting Brock Bowers in the teams’ last two meetings. The Broncos have the personnel to execute that approach, which makes Jeanty the more favorable play. Another appealing prop is over 9.5 total punts at +110. Their most recent matchup featured 14, and both offenses continue to struggle.
Expectations
Expect plenty of punts and not many points. The Raiders may keep it close, but they’re more likely to linger within a score than seriously threaten Denver. The game is the kind of matchup best left on in the background while you tackle your Sunday chores.
Final Prediction: Broncos 20, Raiders 13
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images