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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 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Matchups 

Darren Waller vs. Broncos’ Secondary

This one seems like a given, but of course, it is a vital matchup that will heavily dictate the Broncos’ performance on Sunday. Darren Waller is a mismatch for this injured, inexperienced and depleted secondary, and it is likely that Derek Carr will look to exploit this mismatch and give Waller a lot of opportunities.

Waller is big, speedy, and physical, and right now, could give the Broncos a massive headache if they are not careful. One more name to throw into the mix could be wide receiver Nelson Agholar, who Carr seems to share impressive chemistry with.

Broncos’ Pass Rush vs. Derek Carr 

An established narrative that has been raised a lot lately is how much the Broncos’ defense has struggled to create turnovers this season. The Broncos have a good opportunity to flip that narrative on Sunday, especially the pass rush, who will be facing Carr as he is missing his best tackle in Trent Brown.

Carr has lost eight fumbles on the season, a league high. If the pass rush can make Carr uncomfortable and put pressure on him, there is a good chance that this team will have opportunity to create turnovers and perhaps even score some points, or put the offense in prime field position to score points.

It will be even better if Bradley Chubb is active on Sunday, though that is up in the air.

X-Factors

Drew Lock

It may seem silly to put the starting quarterback as a team’s X-Factor, especially considering how vital his success is each week to the team. However, a good performance by Drew Lock on Sunday is much more meaningful than just a Broncos’ victory.

One of Lock’s biggest downfalls at this point in his career in his inconsistency. If Lock can put together a solid performance on Sunday, he ends his tumultuous season on a high note, and shows Vic Fangio and Broncos’ management that he is developing and will have more to build on going into 2021.

Of course, competition will almost definitively be brought in for Lock, but his performance on Sunday has the potential to set a tone going into the 2021 NFL season that he is improving and that there is light at the end of the tunnel for this team, who, potentially, could be searching for a new quarterback once again in 2022.

Henry Ruggs III

Another player looking to send a similar message on the opposite sideline is rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, the former teammate of Jerry Jeudy at Alabama. His season has been considered a disappointment by many, and he will be looking to flip his narrative into a positive one heading into the offseason.

Though it is worth nothing that Ruggs missed time due to being on COVID/Reserve, it is the opinion that he just was not the weapon for Carr this season that the Raiders had imagined.

Broncos Country should feel the familiarity, as the same sentiments have been shared about Jeudy. Most Broncos fans know the potential that is there in Jeudy, and by the same design, should be well aware of the potential that lies within Ruggs.

The Broncos secondary will already have their hands full, but should make a point to not underestimate Ruggs. He can outrun anyone on the field at any given point, and if the secondary opts to play a loose zone coverage, Ruggs could really make them pay.

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