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Denver Broncos: Key matchups vs Las Vegas Raiders

By Nicholas Manning

Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker A.J. Johnson (45) and free safety Justin Simmons (31) tackle Oakland Raiders running back Alec Ingold (45) at the goal line in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker A.J. Johnson (45) and free safety Justin Simmons (31) tackle Oakland Raiders running back Alec Ingold (45) at the goal line in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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KJ Hamler, Denver Broncos
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 20: K.J. Hamler #13 of the Denver Broncos in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 20, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

What are the key matchups between the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders?

Since Week 1, I have taken a look at two critical individual matchups the Denver Broncos needed to win to come out of each game with a victory. Last week the Broncos fell flat against the Atlanta Falcons on the road.

My two key matchups from the game against the Falcons had mixed results.

Falcons’ defensive lineman Grady Jarrett abused center Lloyd Cushenberry (and guard Austin Schlottman).

Defensive lineman McTelvin Agim played admirably when inserted but saw most of his playing time go to veteran DeMarcus Walker.

Offensively, the Broncos again started slowly before having the ball with a chance to tie the game and under one minute to play.

Overall, the defense suffered big pass play after another early on as the young corners got beat play after play.

Looking ahead to the Las Vegas Raiders

Throughout the season, I’ll continue to break down two key individual matchups each week that are critical to a Broncos win.

This week, the Denver Broncos face off with the hated rival Las Vegas Raiders on the road. Like the Broncos, the Raiders are fresh from a late win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Raiders come in at 5-3 and sit firmly in the playoff picture. Their ability to play close out games has been on display several times over the last few weeks.

Additionally, the Raiders have a lot of talent on the offense. They will challenge a Denver defense different than many of the teams earlier in the season as their offense presents an equal challenge on both sides of the ball.

However, their defense continues to provide their opponents with opportunities to stay in the game. Their defense generates minimal pass rush and struggles to cover on the back end.

Prepare for this game to have some good offensive football.

With a win Sunday, the Broncos will get back on track and feel better about their playoff chances. With a loss, this team could watch a hopeful season slip further away.

So, who needs to play well for the Broncos to win this week?

This week, I look at who must win their individual matchups to ensure the Broncos win against the Raiders.

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