Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos: What Are Experts Saying About Denver?

Grab your tissues everyone, because this Sunday is the last week in the 2014 NFL regular season. As usual, the season went too quickly and was full of great games, upsets, injuries and surprises. Also per usual, many playoff scenarios are still undecided headed into Week 17, so we are set up for a very exciting Sunday of games. 

Of the many playoff seedings on the line, one involves the Denver Broncos. Should they win on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, they will take the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and earn a first-round bye. If they are upset by their division foes, however, and the Cincinnati Bengals wind up beating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, then it will be Cincinnati who takes the No. 2 seed and next week off. 

Given that the Broncos are a veteran team, a week off would be hugely beneficial for them, so for this reason and others, this Sunday's AFC West showdown is a must-win game. 

Here's what experts across the country are saying about Denver's chances. 

Jeff Legwold: Questions Surround Peyton Manning's Health

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Peyton Manning and adversity are not two subjects that normally go together, yet in recent weeks, Manning has been facing questions from fans and critics alike. 

The 38-year-old passer is in his 17th season in the NFL, and there's no denying that a man of his age does not have the agility or resilience of a man in his 20s. Sure, he might be many times wiser, yet he still can't physically come back as quickly from little injuries. 

Last week against Cincinnati, Manning and the Broncos offense looked the same as they have looked in past weeks: sluggish. They relied heavily on the defense to control the game and struggled to move the ball. Manning made uncharacteristic bad throws in crucial situations, and ultimately, Denver didn't walk away with the win. 

As Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports, "It was Manning's first four-interception game since 2010." He adds, however, that despite Manning's recent struggles, he still "leads the league with 39 touchdown passes." Clearly, greatness is not immortal, and while it's sad to admit, we are likely witnessing the beginning of the end for Manning. 

Bill Williamson: Oakland Will Bring the Pass Rush Early

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As ESPN.com's Bill Williamson pointed out on Friday morning, Manning has "absolutely shredded Oakland in his five games against them as a Bronco."

For this reason, he expects Oakland to bring the pressure early with rookie linebacker Khalil Mack, defensive tackle Antonio Smith and defensive end Justin Tuck. With Manning seemingly ailing and the Raiders playing purely for pride and resume purposes, this wouldn't be a huge shock to me either. 

An important statistic to note, however, is that Manning has been sacked only 16 times this season—the fewest in the league. 

Mike Klis: Brock Osweiler Ready to Go If Needed

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Mike Klis of The Denver Post reported Thursday on Brock Osweiler, Denver's backup quarterback, who may have the most forgotten, yet important, job on the team. 

Klis also notes that Osweiler may be dealing with some understandable frustration. While he's benefited from "learning from one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game," he's yet to start an NFL game. 

Nonetheless, Osweiler appears to be learning from Manning not only on the field but off it as well. Like a pro, Osweiler told Klis that "his focus is Oakland this Sunday, and then the playoffs."

Bleacher Report Experts: Denver Will Likely Have a Bye Next Week

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Every week, 16 experts from Bleacher Report pick every game in the NFL, straight up, and this week, all 16 selected the Denver Broncos to beat the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. 

This win would obviously lock up the No. 2 seed for Denver in the AFC playoffs and secure it a week of rest and preparation next Sunday. Being that Denver has something to play for and is a more supremely talented team than Oakland on paper, its winning on Sunday should surprise no one. 

Expect Denver to roll in this AFC West matchup, one that should feature Denver backups by the fourth quarter and serve as a confidence booster for the Broncos before the playoffs begin.