No better place to go to get the details on the Raiders next opponent than the source that covers them in great detail on a day-to-day basis. For that we spoke with Brandon Walker from USA Today’s Broncos Wire.1. With JK Dobbins on IR, who is the workhorse for the Broncos? And how has the Broncos run game been impacted?The workhorse in theory is RJ Harvey, who has had 11 and 13 carries, respectively since Dobbins went on IR after the last meeting between these two teams. The rushing attack has suffered in a big way, rushing for only 59 yards against Kansas City, and 87 against Washington. It is running back by committee, with Harvey, Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield. 2. When the Raiders met the Broncos last, they were on a six-game winning streak. That streak is now up to nine. How long do you expect this streak to last? And if it ends, what will be the most likely reason?This streak feels like it could end next week against Green Bay, although it took a final field goal from Wil Lutz against the Raiders last time. Divisional games could sneak up on you, as they’re the hardest ones of the year. I see the streak ending due to special teams, ironically. But I wouldn’t say it would be due to Wil Lutz or the field goal operation; it would be to the punt and kickoff coverage units. Inconsistency on returns have led to points in both the losses and several of the close calls Denver has had this season. A lot of fans and media are calling for special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi’s scalp. 3. What (or who) is the straw that stirs the drink on that top-5 Broncos defense? Do they have an exploitable weakness?The biggest boon the Raiders have is a rock star tight end. The Broncos have been really bad at coverage linebacker, allowing passing yards and touchdowns to tight ends and running backs like Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, Tyler Warren, and others. Brock Bowers has proved himself as one of those capable tight ends Denver just can’t cover effectively. That may be the weakness the Raiders need to be competitive in this game. 4. Other than not having Dobbins, have there been any changes in what the Broncos are doing or new faces standing out since they faced the Raiders last month?Rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant has been incorporated more into the Denver passing attack, creating a wide-ranging, sure-handed weapon for quarterback Bo Nix. With Courtland Sutton on the outside as Nix’s most reliable safety net, Troy Franklin leading the team in receptions, Evan Engram hitting his stride, Marvin Mims as the speediest option downfield, adding Pat Bryant into Sean Payton’s arsenal may have been one of the best picks from this year’s draft. It makes this offense dangerous when it’s operating well. The trouble seems to be having consistent, sustained drives where everyone is available. 5. Final score prediction and why?Like I mentioned earlier, divisional games are the toughest of the year, especially come December. The Raiders are playing for pride, and doing their best to play spoiler to some of the AFC’s best teams. Denver could struggle early, but I like them here. Denver 27, Raiders 18. This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: We speak with Broncos Wire to preview Raiders Week 14 matchup
