Wide Receivers provide intriguing storyline for Broncos/Raiders

Monday night in Oakland, the Broncos come into town to face the Raiders for a Monday night showdown.  The Broncos and Raiders both feature a young gunslinger (Jay Cutler and JaMarcus Russell respectively), but who will these young studs be throwing the ball to? Let's start with Jay Cutler:

#1 Target:  WR Eddie Royal, Rookie

Eddie Royal has shown throughout training camp and preseason that he can make plays (20 yards per catch in the preseason), but he needs to translate that to the regular season.  He is going to have a tough task in All-Pro corner Nnamdi Asomugha (sorry if misspelled).

#2:  TE Tony Scheffler, 3rd year

Tony Scheffler may be listed as the Broncos number two tight end behind Daniel Graham, but he will act as Manu Ginobili coming off the bench for the Spurs.  Cutler has consistently found Scheffler throughout their careers, and Scheffler has more catches, yards, and TD's in his first two seasons than any TE in Broncos history.  It will be tough for the Raiders TE's to match his size and speed.  Look for OLB Thomas Howard to give him a lot of looks.

#3:  WR Brandon Stokley, 9th season

Stokley may be 32, but he is still one of the best slot receivers in the NFL, if not the best behind emerging star Wes Welker.  Stokley was a consistent 3rd down threat last season, and averaged over 15 yards per catch for the Broncos, including a 58 yard touchdown. 

#4:  WR Darrell Jackson, 9th season

Say what you may about Darrell Jackson, he has been one of the more consistent WR's of this decade, and has sure hands.  He has never averaged less than 10 yards per catch in his career, and that doesn't figure to change in Denver. 

Also seeing some catches:

TE's Daniel Graham and Nate Jackson, WR Keary Colbert, Broncos RB's.

All of these players could see some looks on screens or in the flat.  Look for Selvin young to get a lot of looks out of the backfield.

JaMarcus Russell

#1 Target:  TE Zach Miller, 2nd season

The Raiders should consider themselves lucky that Miller fell to them in the second round of last years draft, and he should provide a consistent security blanket this season for Russell with his sure hands. 

#2 Target:  WR Ronald Curry, 7th season

Ronald Curry has had a lot of previous success against Denver, and doesn't figure to break the cycle now.  He has to go up against All-World CB Champ Bailey, and it should provide for a good matchup. 

#3 Target:  WR Ashley Lelie, 7th season

With the recent injury to Javon Walker, the Raiders will give another former Bronco a shot at his old team.  Lelie has been a major bust in this league, and is lucky to still be around.  His big play style fits the Raiders' offense though, and Dre Bly will have to match his speed. 

Overall, my biggest concerns for both teams are this:  Brandon Marshall is out with a suspension, which is huge.  The Raiders lost two of their top three WR's to injury, which is also huge.  I give the edge to the Broncos in this category due to their TE play and depth at WR.