Raiders vs. Broncos: Breaking News, Predictions and Preview

The Oakland Raiders take their hopes and dreams for 2011 into battle against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night. Both teams are trying to skirt past doldrums with a spirited start to the season, only one team can succeed. 

The Raiders annihilated the Broncos last year in Denver thanks to a prolific offense that was under appreciated thanks to equally inconsistent defense. 

Monday night is the Broncos' chance to turn the tables with a new defense that will hope to corral a top-end running back in Darren McFadden. 

This should be a much tighter game as the Raiders will be without newly-acquired tight end, Kevin Boss. The Broncos have a rookie stud in Von Miller and a healthy, finally, Elvis Dumervil, to meander in the middle. 

Current Betting Line: Courtesy of Bodog.eu

Point Spread: Raiders +3, Broncos -3

Moneyline: Raiders +150, Broncos -170

What's At Stake:

Pride is always the most pressing matter in a storied rivalry. The Broncos and Raiders meet on day one in their schedules, priming both with the opportunity to have the first say. 

The Raiders will try and show they are more than just shock and awe on offense. This team hopes to provide some consistency under new head coach, Hue Jackson. 

The Broncos will have the same questions as this once-proud organization tries to get back on track as playoff contenders. 

Last-Second Injury News: Courtesy of ESPN INJURY REPORT 

Denver Broncos: Demaryius Thomas, WR (broken finger) OUT, Marcus Thomas, DT (shoulder) OUT, Brodrick Bunkley, DT (knee, practiced Thursday) QUESTIONABLE

Oakland Raiders: Kevin Boss, TE (knee) OUT, Louis Murphy, WR (groin) DOUBTFUL, Chaz Schilens, WR (knee) PROBABLE, Derek Hagan, WR (calf) QUESTIONABLE, Taiwan Jones, RB (calf, limited in practice) QUESTIONABLE 

Key Matchup:

The ballgame will be determined on the ground. The Broncos linebacker corps, mixed with young and old, will need to stop the onslaught of Darren McFadden. 

11th Hour Fantasy Advice:

Darren McFadden: If there were any game more beneficial to Darren McFadden, this would be it. Start him, and feel good about it. Von Miller may be a stud in the making, but he will have to prove it first.

Jason Campbell: The Raiders will be running the ball more, I would sit him. He really should be your backup anyway.

Kyle Orton: Old habits die hard. The Broncos may want to establish a run, but they will need to get Orton and Brandon Lloyd going. Start Orton.

Brandon Lloyd: Orton and Lloyd have a great rapport. The Broncos QB will target him early and often. 

Prediction: Raiders 27, Broncos 24

It's nice to say that you have a new defensive scheme, but I need to see it work on the main stage. This game will be close, but the Broncos will ultimately fall to one of the best offenses in 2010.