Raiders vs. Broncos: Breaking Down Denver's Game Plan

The Denver Broncos have to beat the Oakland Raiders in Week 17 if they want to secure the second seed in the AFC and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Broncos head coach John Fox knows how much both could help this team as they strive for a championship.

“In my history, both have been beneficial. We hosted a game in the wild card round in 2003 and went to the Super Bowl. A year ago we had home-field advantage throughout and went to the Super Bowl. It can all be done. The key is getting in the tournament and then what you do when you get in. For players, I think it’s a little bit of a break because they get another bye week.” Fox emphasized, “From a coaching perspective, we’re just glad to have the opportunity.”

These two teams matched up earlier in the year, and the Broncos won 41-17. The game this week could have a similar outcome as the Broncos still have plenty to play for.

How will the Denver Broncos attack the Oakland Raiders on both sides of the ball? Let’s take a look.

When the Broncos Run the Ball

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

C.J. Anderson already has over 1,000 all-purpose yards this year even though he’s only been featured as the starter since Week 11. Last week against the Bengals, Anderson had over 100 all-purpose yards for the fifth time in the last seven games.

The Bengals made things difficult for the Broncos at times in Week 16. Anderson knows what the team must do to get back on track offensively.

“We just need to get back to the details. That is what we’re emphasizing this week. We’re very, very detailed in what we do, whether it’s run or pass. We should just execute whatever’s called. So just be very detailed in what we’re trying to do and everybody do your job and make sure your job is the only thing that you can do.” Anderson emphasized, “Don’t try to be a hero and don’t try to do too much.”

Anderson will get some help in the backfield this week. Ronnie Hillman has been a full participant in practice this week, and he should be able to return to the field in Week 17.

Hillman sprained his foot in Week 10 against the Raiders, and he’s missed every game since then. While Anderson can still be the workhorse for the Broncos, Hillman makes for a great asset as a change-of-pace back.

The Raiders' rush defense held the Bills to 13 yards rushing last week. They rank 21st in the NFL with an average of 117.9 rushing yards allowed per game. They’ve also given up 14 rushing touchdowns in 15 games played.

When the Broncos Pass the Ball

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

When passing the ball, Manning needs to make fewer mistakes than he did last week. He had an uncharacteristic night against the Bengals, throwing four interceptions in the loss.

Manning knows he’s got to take better care of the football.

“When you throw an interception, every one of them has a story as I’ve said before. Nobody really wants to hear it but the ones the other night were a combination of bad throws and bad decisions. Some inaccurate throws and a couple times good coverage on their part and balls shouldn’t have gone there.” Manning concluded, “Just can’t do it. Have to throw it away or put the ball out front, whatever it is.”

“I take a lot of pride in trying to be an accurate quarterback and trying to be disciplined in my decision making, so I didn’t play up to my standards the other night and certainly on those four particular plays I have to do a better job of that.” Manning declared.

Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders have given the Broncos big plays from the wide receiver position this year. Both should be able to shake free against the Raiders secondary in Week 17.

Julius Thomas is fully participating in practice this week, but in the game against the Bengals he didn’t quite look like himself.

Fox said they’re looking to use Thomas the best way each week.

“Part of coaching is putting guys in position to have success. When Julius was out, we went a different direction. Now that he’s coming back, we’re kind of squeezing him back in and really kind of doing what’s best for us on any given Sunday to win.”

The Raiders' pass defense is ranked 14th in the league. They allow an average of 233.4 yards passing per game. They haven’t generated many sacks this year, and rank 31st in the league with only 21 sacks in 2014.

Kyle Orton had 308 passing yards and three touchdowns last week against the Raiders. Manning could equal or best those numbers this week provided he plays the entire game. There’s a chance the Broncos could play Brock Osweiler at some point in the second half if they have a sizeable lead.

When the Raiders Run the Ball

Ed Zurga/Associated Press

The Raiders will be featuring a different running back than they had earlier this year in their Week 10 matchup against the Broncos.

Second-year running back Latavius Murray had a breakout game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. In only four carries, Murray rushed for over 100 yards and had two rushing touchdowns.

Last week against the Bills, Murray had 86 yards on 23 carries. He’s a big back with power after contact. He quickly gets to top speed, and Murray’s deceptive speed can get him to the second level of the defense in the blink of an eye.

Fox was complimentary when talking about the Raiders’ ground game.

“This is the NFL. They’re all challenges. [Oakland is] a division team, one that gave us fits in the first half last time we played in November. He’s a very good player. [RB Darren] McFadden is a good player. [RB Maurice] Jones-Drew is a good player.” Fox concluded, “So we just have to be on point wherever our fits are in the run game and do a good job.”

The Broncos' rush defense is still ranked second-best in the league. They only allow an average of 80.6 rushing yards per game. However, last week they were gashed by the Bengals for over 200 yards on the ground.

Murray is a quality back with the speed to take it to the house from anywhere on the field. The Broncos should be able to bottle up the young back, but he might break off a long run if they’re not careful.

When the Raiders Pass the Ball

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Derek Carr has plenty of experience from his rookie season. In the game against the Broncos earlier this year, Carr threw two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Over the last three weeks, Carr has thrown for over 200 yards in each game. He also has six touchdown passes and zero interceptions during that time.

Cornerback Chris Harris has noticed a difference in Carr’s game in recent weeks.

“He’s gotten a lot more comfortable. They are running the ball a lot better than they were earlier in the season to relieve some pressure on him; he’s not making a lot of mistakes. You expect that as a rookie. He’s started all year long so he has to get better.” Harris concluded, “You expect him to get better as the year goes on and I’m sure he’ll be ready for us this week.”

The Broncos' pass defense is ranked 12th in the league. They allow an average of 231.7 passing yards per game, and they’ve surrendered 28 passing touchdowns while generating 17 interceptions in 2014.

Carr has more experience now, but he could still be in for a long day against the Broncos this week.

Summary

The Broncos still have plenty to play for in Week 17. Going up against the Raiders is an easier matchup, but the Broncos need to be careful that they don’t let this opportunity pass them by.

They haven’t had a break since their Week 4 bye, and the Broncos could certainly use some additional rest before making a run through the playoffs.

It may not be the rivalry that it used to be, but defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said things are still heated between the two sides on the field.

“Maybe on the outside looking in, but on the field it hasn’t. Especially in the trenches where I play, it’s real physical. They don’t like us, we don’t like them and that is something I adopted coming here as a Bronco, was that rivalry and regardless of the records, it’ll be a packed house Sunday.” Knighton concluded, “Denver hates Oakland, so it’ll be a hostile environment and we look forward to playing in it.”

Broncos fans are looking forward to the playoffs. Hopefully Denver can get a little extra rest before they start in the postseason.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via email from the Denver Broncos unless otherwise noted. Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac.com. Transaction history provided by ProSportsTransactions.com.