Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos: What's the Game Plan for Denver?

Brock Osweiler is settling into his new role as the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback, and the team is gaining some steam heading toward the postseason.

In Week 14, the Oakland Raiders will pay a visit to Sports Authority Field. Though Denver owns a 16-10 victory over the Raiders earlier this season, it wasn't pretty.

The Broncos were sluggish on offense in that game, rushing for just 43 yards. Peyton Manning also threw two interceptions. Denver's only touchdown came in the form of Chris Harris' 74-yard interception return. Oakland was on a drive to potentially take the lead when that play took place.

So how will Denver pick up its fourth win in as many games with Osweiler? Here's a look at how the Broncos should attack the Raiders on both sides of the ball.

Offensive Game Plan

Denver got off to a very slow start offensively this season, with the defense having to pull out victories. The team's first win over Oakland back in October was no exception, as the Broncos scored just nine points on offense.

In this game, they will need to stick to three keys in order to find more success on the offensive side of the ball.

Dictate the Pace by Running the Ball

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

The Broncos need to control the ball in this game. They need to dominate time of possession and sustain long drives. They don't necessarily need to light up the scoreboard, but there is no reason to have three-and-outs against this Oakland defense.

To accomplish this, the Broncos need to commit to running the ball, regardless of who is in the backfield. According to Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post, C.J. Anderson's playing status remains a big question mark. As a result, Ronnie Hillman should get the start, but we'll also likely see a lot of Juwan Thompson.

That's not a bad thing. Thompson is an underutilized player who can make an impact with his tough running style.

Denver needs to win the battle up front, particularly in the middle against Oakland defensive tackles Dan Williams and Justin Ellis. If Matt Paradis and the guards can open holes up the gut, the Broncos will run wild in this game.

Aggressive Play-Calling

Denver head coach Gary Kubiak should open the playbook in this game. Osweiler has a strong arm, and the Raiders are giving up an average of 271 passing yards per game. They rank No. 28 in the league against the pass.

To this point, we've seen Osweiler protect the ball and be a game manager. Now, it's time to let him showcase his abilities a little more.

If the Broncos can lull the Raiders defense to sleep with a strong running attack, Osweiler will be able to take some shots down the field. There should be no less than five deep shots down the field in this game. Oakland is not equipped to stop it.

Be Wary of Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack is easily the best defensive player Oakland has, and he has the ability to make game-changing plays. Denver will need to focus on stopping him and not allowing him to get shots on Osweiler.

Mack has nine sacks on the season and is becoming one of the NFL's top defenders. Pro Football Focus currently ranks him as the No. 1 outside linebacker in the league. By those same statistics, Mack is first among linebackers in sacks and tackles and is third in quarterback hurries.

Denver's offensive line has been suspect this season, so expect to see some extra help against Mack in order to fend him off.

Defensive Game Plan

Ben Margot/Associated Press

The Broncos gave up just 10 points in the first meeting between these teams this season, and they should be able to slow them down again.

Denver allowed just 2.6 yards per rush on 25 carries, forcing Derek Carr to put the ball in the air 39 times. In this game, the key will be trying to bait the young quarterback into mistakes. That worked in Week 5, when Harris' 74-yard interception return proved to be the difference.

In this game, the Broncos should force Carr to throw the ball to the outside. Oakland is going to expect the Broncos to use Aqib Talib to take rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper out of the game. As a result, Carr will be looking for receivers over the middle of the field and on checkdowns.

These are the passes Denver should try to eliminate.

In Week 5, Carr completed 26 passes, but only eight of those went to wide receivers. Carr was able to find his tight ends and running backs on checkdowns. He averaged just 6.4 yards per completion, but the Raiders were able to move the chains as they were successful on seven of 16 third-down conversions.

The Broncos should focus on making Carr take chances on the outside and down the field. He has thrown nine interceptions on the season. If he gets frustrated and tries to force a throw to Cooper against Talib, the Broncos could easily have another defensive score.

Key Players and Matchups

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Juwan Thompson: We talked about Anderson possibly missing this game, but Thompson needs to see the field regardless. Kubiak should protect his running backs down the stretch and this is the kind of game where Thompson should see a lot of work. According to the Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala, Kubiak said "there's a chance" Thompson "could start":

"

Kubiak expects CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman to go full tomorrow. Said there's a chance Juwan Thompson could start.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 10, 2015"

Virgil Green: Andrew Mason of the team's official website reported that Vernon Davis returned to practice on Friday, but he will need to pass the league's concussion protocol in order to play in this game. That could open the door for Virgil Green, who had a 22-yard reception last week against the San Diego Chargers once Davis left the game.

Todd Davis: Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post reported Danny Trevathan will not be able to play in this game after leaving last week's game with a concussion. That means Todd Davis will start in his place.

Davis made the most of his opportunities last season when Trevathan was hurt. Corey Nelson should also see some playing time. Director of NFL Content Luc Polglaze discussed Davis starting in place of Trevathan:

"

With Trevathan OUT for Sunday, LB Todd Davis will start for DEN. Will be interesting to see his performance with Trev a FA. Could be future.

— Luc Polglaze (@LucPolglaze) December 11, 2015"

Chris Harris vs. Michael Crabtree: Though Cooper has gotten plenty of recognition for a stellar rookie season, veteran Michael Crabtree has proven to be one of the best free-agent signings any team made this offseason.

Crabtree has caught 66 passes for 760 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Harris will be challenged to slow him down in this one.

Final Prediction

Oakland looked like a team that could play its way into the playoffs about a month ago, but those hopes are fading. Still, there should be plenty of motivation to pick up a huge divisional win against the Broncos.

However, the Broncos just have too much to play for with a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage still distinct possibilities.

The Raiders are getting closer to making this an exciting rivalry again, but the Broncos still have too much talent to lose this game, especially on defense and especially at home.

Final Prediction: Broncos 21, Raiders 9