Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos: Week 17 Preview

Top Storylines

Has Denver Finally Found Their Man in Drew Lock?

It is no secret that the Broncos have struggled to find a solid starting QB since the retirement of Peyton Manning, ranging from Trevor Siemian to Cade Keenum to Joe Flacco. John Elway’s ability to evaluate QB talent has majorly come into question, especially in the drafting field, following the Paxton Lynch experience.

However, although still too early to tell, rookie QB Drew Lock has won over Elway and the coaching staff thus far with his solid arm, mobile skills and the swagger that it feels like this team has lacked since Super Bowl 50. His coaches and teammates (especially veteran Von Miller) believe in him, and I think it’s safe to say that Broncos Country should as well.

Can the Raiders Give the Oakland Faithful One Last Playoff Ride?

The Oakland Raiders punched the Denver Broncos in the stomach in week one, and looked to be a serious playoff threat. The Raiders would then go on to hit a skid, and entering Week 17, need to not only win, but will need a lot of help to get into the sixth seed in the AFC playoff picture. Here is everything that needs to happen for a Raider playoff appearance:

– OAK defeats DEN

-HOU defeats TEN

– IND defeats JAX

– BAL defeats PIT

(via Adam Schefter)

Although unlikely that all scenarios happen, especially with Baltimore resting Lamar Jackson and other starters, it would be wild if the Raiders managed to make the playoffs after their ups and downs of 2019.

However, it would make for quite the storyline: the Raiders make the playoffs and give the city of Oakland one last hurrah before they move to Las Vegas. Although they would not get the opportunity to host a playoff game, it would be a way to go out with a bang.