Season: 25-11-2 Last Week:2 Picks: 2-0 Chargers & Patriots both covered
Running the ball has been the Raiders bread and butter this year and probably won't face much resistance from the Broncos.However,the Broncos were showing signs that they could stop the run with 5 straight above average performances from week 8 through week 13.But,then came the terror that was the Arizona Cardinals game and they let one of the worst running teams in the league have one of their best games of the season.The Raiders love to put defensive pressure on opposing quarterback,and they rank third in the league entering this weekend’s action with 38 sacks.Speaking of quarterbacks,Jason Campbell has settled into the role for the Raiders under center.After a sluggish and injury-plagued start, Campbell has come on recently.In last week’s tough loss at Jacksonville 38-31,Campbell went 21-for-30 for 324 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.Tight end Zach Miller continues to be a calming influence for whoever is the Raiders triggerman.Miller needs just 51 receiving yards to become the second tight end in history with three consecutive seasons of 600 or more receiving yards (Todd Christensen being the other).Sensational rookie wide out Jacoby Ford has caught a touchdown pass in two of the last three games for the silver and black.With a more multi-faceted offensive attack and a good pass defense,the Raiders should be able to add to the Broncos misery with another loss.With all the turmoil in Denver it's hard to say what kind of run defense will show up.I'm betting it's the bad one.I like Raiders in the black hole on this one
Raiders -6 1/2 