DENVER, Colo. -
Before I dive into this week's prediction for the Denver Broncos-Oakland Raiders game, a brief aside.
With megalithic stadiums going up all over the country (see Dallas and New York), a lot of stadiums are losing their charm and touristy pull. However, there are a few that for any sports fan, pilgrimages are a MUST: Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Joe Louis Arena, andÂ…..The Black Hole.
The Raiders stadium isn't the draw, it's the denizens that lurk around it starting anywhere from 5 to 12 hours before kickoff. The tailgating scene is a mix of the San Quentin jail yard and Halloween night in Hades. It's absurd, yet incredible to witness.
Broncomaniacs, it's a worthwhile tripÂ…especially when the Broncos win. Like they'll do this Sunday, and here's why.
This game features two teams that are absolute bullies on defense, and two teams that are still finding themselves on offense. The difference is that the Raiders are predictable on offense, whereas the Broncos Amoeba Offense constantly shifts from week to week. That makes the Broncos tougher to defend and the Raiders easier to stop.
That, in essence, is what it boils down to. It's going to be a physical, low-scoring game that may get chippy at times. However, when all is said and done, Josh McDaniels & Co. will find a way to the end zone, and the Raiders won't.
Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell is playing dreadfully right now. I fully expect at least two turnovers from him, with the Broncos defense standing a solid chance to take an interception to the house.
Here are the point totals:
Broncos Offense: They'll score one touchdown, and bang home three field goals = 16 points.
Broncos Defense: Andre Goodman gets a pick-6 = 7 points (including PAT).
Raiders Offense: Three field goals, plenty of boos = 9 points
Add it up: Broncos win 23-9.
With megalithic stadiums going up all over the country (see Dallas and New York), a lot of stadiums are losing their charm and touristy pull. However, there are a few that for any sports fan, pilgrimages are a MUST: Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Joe Louis Arena, andÂ…..The Black Hole.
The Raiders stadium isn't the draw, it's the denizens that lurk around it starting anywhere from 5 to 12 hours before kickoff. The tailgating scene is a mix of the San Quentin jail yard and Halloween night in Hades. It's absurd, yet incredible to witness.
Broncomaniacs, it's a worthwhile tripÂ…especially when the Broncos win. Like they'll do this Sunday, and here's why.
This game features two teams that are absolute bullies on defense, and two teams that are still finding themselves on offense. The difference is that the Raiders are predictable on offense, whereas the Broncos Amoeba Offense constantly shifts from week to week. That makes the Broncos tougher to defend and the Raiders easier to stop.
That, in essence, is what it boils down to. It's going to be a physical, low-scoring game that may get chippy at times. However, when all is said and done, Josh McDaniels & Co. will find a way to the end zone, and the Raiders won't.
Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell is playing dreadfully right now. I fully expect at least two turnovers from him, with the Broncos defense standing a solid chance to take an interception to the house.
Here are the point totals:
Broncos Offense: They'll score one touchdown, and bang home three field goals = 16 points.
Broncos Defense: Andre Goodman gets a pick-6 = 7 points (including PAT).
Raiders Offense: Three field goals, plenty of boos = 9 points
Add it up: Broncos win 23-9.
