Raiders-Broncos: Fear the Ones That Have Nothing to Lose

It's a simple, time-honored phrase.

But for Oakland, and a season that has had nothing go right, this is what Oakland's resigned to do.

Play the spoiler.

Oakland, in their last six games, face several teams that are fighting to get into the playoffs. Denver, San Diego, Tampa Bay, New England are in the upper slice, while Houston and Kansas City are in the lower terms.

Oakland, to that degree, has had close games. Four of these, against Miami, Buffalo, Carolina, and San Diego, would have made the Raiders a 6-4 team. But of other reasons, they now sit out of the playoff picture.

So how does a team go about leading into the next year?

Making upsets worthwhile.

The game against Denver has obvious reasons. First of all, Denver train-wrecked Oakland's season in the opener, on national TV, and started the speculation that Davis wanted Kiffin out. Add in the history of these two clubs, that when they play, they seem to play at a higher level...and you have the settings for an upset.

Take last season, for example. Oakland, at 4-12, wasn't pretty, but they almost won at Invesco last year, and then at home, they spanked Denver by two touchdowns. The win, Oakland's last of the year, would effectively derail Cutler's appointment with the postseason.

Oakland now, again, can play spoiler. If they can win, it will slow them down, possibly opening up a chance for the Chargers to get closer...and granted, not liking either team, it would be fun to watch the veins on Shanahan's neck bulge when Cutler throws that beautiful interception to Gibril Wilson.

Things that Oakland now has in its favor, compared to earlier this season:

Oakland no longer has DeAngelo Hall, whom Eddie Royal ate for supper that night.

Oakland is getting Darren McFadden back in time...and Denver's defensive problems are still huge.

Oakland's no longer dealing with the Javon Walker issue, as he's now a spectator, and Ronald Curry is back...and Ronald loves playing in Denver.

Oakland's defense has been surprising as of late, even in losing causes. Picking off four passes by Jake Delhomme, and keeping Miami from breaking open the game last week, Oakland's defense seems to get stronger as the season goes along.

Denver's advantage on this game, is, first and foremost, home field. It's loud in Denver. I don't know if Hochuli is the slated ref...but as well, Kalimba Harris needs to get the job done...or he'll join DeAngelo Hall as a walking sandwich board on the street.

Denver also has Cutler's arm, that has shown mild improvement the last two weeks. He still has shaky games, but seems to get enough to win...will it be enough against Oakland?

Denver's newest running back, after watching several go out to the IR, will be an open question...could be good, could be bad....but all in all, should be a good game to watch.

Toss out your predictions, I'm going for Oakland, 24-20.