NFL Week 10 Preview: Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders

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Dec 6, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage between the Oakland Raiders and the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 26-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are coming off their worst performance since the Super Bowl collapse. Denver went into Foxboro and laid an egg, losing to the Patriots 43-21. Denver will have a chance to take their mind off the loss as they travel to Oakland to take on the winless Raiders.

What: NFL Week 10 Preview: Denver Broncos (6-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (0-8)
When: Sunday, November 9th
Where: O.co Coliseum (Oakland, California)
Time: 4:05 PM EST, 2:05 PM MST
TV: CBS

The Denver Broncos look to get back into the win column Sunday against a woeful Oakland Raiders club. Oakland has yet to record a victory this season. Part of that reason – a lot of things actually, Oakland ranks 23rd in the league in passing yards per game at 223.1 behind rookie quarterback Derek Carr. But you can’t put the blame on him.

Oakland is dead last in the entire NFL in rushing yards, sitting at just 65.5 per game and their defense can’t stop the run (132.5 yards allowed per game). Oakland looks to be one-dimensional (passing) heading into Sunday’s game as Denver ranks 1st in the league at stopping the run.

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Peyton Manning said he stunk vs. New England and that’s what a leader does – takes the blame. It should be the offensive line taking the blame, however. Manning completed 34-of-57 passes for 438 yards, collecting two touchdowns while throwing two picks. One thing that was absent from Denver’s offense Sunday was the run-game. They couldn’t run the ball because the offensive line couldn’t hold their blocks. Denver rushed for just 43 yards on 17 attempts – 2.5 yards per carry.

One thing that Denver is really good at is applying pressure up-front with their defensive line. They failed to due so against Tom Brady this past Sunday and paid the price for it. Denver recorded just one sack, coming from DeMarcus Ware where Brady tried to scramble through the middle of the field. Look for Denver’s front-four to be re-energized this Sunday against an iffy Oakland Raiders offensive line.

In order for Denver to get back to the Super Bowl, a couple of things have to improve. Offensive line as noted above and special teams. Denver allowed Julian Edelman to take a punt back to the house which is a no-no. Also, Brandon McManus is struggling; making just 6-of-9 field goals attempts this season – longest FG was a 44-yarder. Those have to sharpen up come playoff time.

Kickoff between the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders is scheduled for 4:05 PM EST, 2:05 PM MST.