The Las Vegas Raiders bounced back in a big way last week with a hard-fought win over the Cleveland Browns despite being severely shorthanded due to injury. They’ll look to do the same in Week 5 with a critical division matchup on the road against the Denver Broncos.
Many of those same players who were out for injury remain out, though the team is hopeful that star defensive end Maxx Crosby will be able to suit up. However, linebacker Divine Deablo and backup Luke Masterson are both out for the contest, meaning rookie fifth-round pick Tommy Eichenberg will get the start and need to step up in a big way.
On offense, most of the same players who were out last week still haven’t practiced this week, with the exception of left tackle Kolton Miller. Davante Adams and Michael Mayer are both likely to be out, as is running back Zamir White, who injured his hamstring. Additionally, offensive linemen Thayer Munford and Dylan Parham haven’t practiced either.
The loss of White in the backfield is a tough one, though Alexander Mattison was already expected to receive more carries after impressing in last week’s win over the Broncos. Establishing that ground game is vital against a stout Broncos defense, though they have shown themselves slightly more susceptible on the ground. Expect the Raiders to also continue to mix in receivers Tre Tucker and DJ Turner in the run game as well.
With Adams and Mayer out, rookie Brock Bowers will continue to get a large share of targets along with Jakobi Meyers. The Raiders could very well struggle offensively, so the most important thing will be to limit turnovers and not give the Broncos great field position, as Denver’s offense has been pretty futile this year.
Defensively is where this game can be won for the Raiders and that starts up front. Hopefully, Crosby is able to play, but the defensive tackle duo of Christian Wilkins and Adam Butler have also done an excellent job creating pressure, and against a rookie QB in Bo Nix, that could lead to some mistakes the Raiders can take advantage of.
The pass defense has been solid as well, with Nate Hobbs allowing just a 43.8% completion percentage when targeted and Jakorian Bennett ranking sixth in the NFL in pass breakups. As long as the Raiders can keep Denver’s ground game in check and keep Denver to third-and-longs, they should be just fine, as third-down defense has been a strength.
With the amount of injuries they’re dealing with, this won’t be an easy contest for the Raiders, especially on the road. This is a game in which the defense will need to shine, and if the offense can do just enough, the Raiders can pick up consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) vs. Denver Broncos (2-2)
1:05 p.m. PT, Sunday, October 6, 2024
Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
TV: CBS
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