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NFL Picks: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

Written September 25, 2009 by Kyle Hunter

The Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders have always had quite a fierce rivalry, so it is safe to assume that this Sunday’s matchup will be a tough battle in the trenches. The Denver Broncos are probably the biggest surprise at 2-0 thus far this season, while the Oakland Raiders come into the game at 1-1. The Broncos are outperforming expectations for them coming into the season and the Raiders are showing clear improvement from last year’s disappointing season. Sign up for a new account at BetUS to take advantage of their $500 bonus offer! Simply deposit $500 or more initially and you will be betting on the NFL with $500 more than you started with!

The Denver Broncos have beaten both of the Ohio teams to go to 2-0. First they defeated the Bengals on the miracle 87 yard touchdown reception by Brandon Stokley. Last week they dismantled the hapless Browns 27-6. Kyle Orton hasn’t been spectacular, but he has done well taking care of the football. Orton has not thrown an interception in either of the first two games and has thrown for 506 yards. Maybe the biggest surprise thus far for the Broncos has been the play of their defense, which has allowed a total of 13 points in two games. Elvis Dumervil is proving to be the team leader on defense, and he tore up the Browns line last week for four sacks in their victory. The defense has really improved in stopping the run as well, which will be essential for them to continue to win football games. The Broncos are going to need an increase in production from their running backs on the offensive side to be a real force this season.

The Oakland Raiders lost their first game of the season against the San Diego Chargers despite outgaining the Chargers. Last weekend the Raiders won despite being outgained by a large margin by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders rushing attack has looked quite strong this year, but the passing attack has yet to get going at all. JaMarcus Russell has a completion percentage of just 35% through two games and he has thrown for just 317 yards. The Raiders defense seems to have improved from a year ago, especially in stopping the run. In Darren McFadden and Michael Bush the Raiders have two very good running backs that are both quick and powerful runners. In order to make a serious run the Raiders will need to get the passing attack going.

The line opened with the Raiders favored by 2.5 points, but there has been some real line movement toward the Broncos. Current NFL lines show the Broncos are now favored by 1.5 at most sports books and the over/under sits at 36.5. The line movement may well be because of the trends that show the visiting team has gone 8-3 against the spread in the last 11 matchups between these teams.

I look for the Oakland Raiders to establish a running game by being very physical with the defensive line of the Broncos. JaMarcus will probably have a low completion percentage again, but he might a home run ball or two to one of their wide receivers. I think the Broncos are very fortunate to be 2-0 and the Raiders will come out on top at home in this battle. The Raiders money line at plus money looks pretty attractive here.

Aaron’s Edge: Oakland Raiders +115 (moneyline)

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