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Week 17 Preview: Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos

By Shelby Manning

Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) yells out from the line of scrimmage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) yells out from the line of scrimmage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Storylines 

Raiders Suffer Another Mid-Season Collapse, Miss Playoffs Again

When it seemed that the Las Vegas Raiders making the playoffs in 2020 seemed like almost a sure thing two months ago, a repeat of last season happened. Much like last year, the Raiders went on a downhill skid, losing five of their last six games, and winning one against the Jets that realistically, the Jets had no business losing.

The Raiders went from 6-4 to 7-8, much credited to their misshapen defense. However, Jon Gruden’s coaching has been called into question after a second consecutive meltdown that would cause another playoff bound Raiders team to be eliminated in the regular season again.

Eyes are on former Broncos’ Super Bowl champion defensive coordinator in Wade Phillips as a potential candidate to replace Raiders’ defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who was fired in Week 14. Like the Broncos, the Raiders will look to end their season on a positive note.

More Injuries in Week 17 Pretty Much Sum Up Broncos’ Season 

The Broncos’ 2020 season, which was more or less defined by an extensive list of injuries, had more added this week with the news that K.J. Hamler and Shelby Harris would miss the season finale.

Hamler was ruled out with a concussion, and Harris was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. This was bad timing for Harris to have suffered an injury, as the Broncos will have to make a decision on him this coming offseason, though Broncos Country would likely agree unanimously that Harris has done more than enough to earn a nice payday from the team.

In a season that was physically rough on the team from start to finish, it is safe to say that the offseason will be much needed for this banged up Broncos’ roster, giving everyone the chance to heal and prepare for the 2021 season. Here’s to hoping for a healthier season for this team and teams across the league.

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