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Denver Broncos: Week two AFC West predictions

By Graham Tiedtke

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Head Coach Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos is seen during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Head Coach Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos is seen during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass under pressure by inside linebacker Brandon Marshall #54 of the Denver Broncos in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Raiders @ Broncos

Prediction: Broncos 34, Raiders 28

Ah, the classic Broncos-Raiders rivalry continues early this season.

These two teams will meet for the 118th time in their history on Sunday. The Raiders lead the series 63-52-2.

Well, something major is different about the Oakland Raiders, who will soon be called the Las Vegas Raiders. They no longer have game-changing pass rusher Khalil Mack. Mack was a real threat during his time as a Raider. He racked up 10 sacks against the Broncos in his four seasons with the team, more than any other team he faced by far.

In regards to the Raiders’ defense, they got rid of their best player. That, in my opinion, will be the x-factor in this matchup. The Raiders don’t have a player on defense that has made a bigger impact than Mack.

They did, however, sign defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and former Broncos defensive tackle Clinton McDonald this week because Justin Ellis and PJ Hall did not practice on Wednesday.

The interior of the Broncos’ offensive line will have to play lights out to prevent the Raiders’ new signings from getting into the backfield. If they do that, Broncos running backs Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay could have an even better week than they did week one against Seattle.

The Broncos are very healthy heading into week two. They listed six players on their Wednesday injury report but all six players well full participants of practice.

Broncos quarterback Case Keenum had a three-interception game week one but playing against a defense that ranked lasted in interceptions during the 2017 season, I can see Keenum having a great day.

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