.jpg "Raiders-at-Broncos-(CBS)")
These teams are each 2-1 on the season and have some impressive moments under their belt, but each need to keep winning with division foe Kansas City looking really good early on. The AFC West figures to be a heavyweight battle from start to finish, and both of these teams could really use this win.
The Broncos are the home team and thus slight favorites, but this seems like a game that could really go either way.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 4 game is set for Sunday, October 1, 2017, at 4:25 p.m. ET at Sports Authority Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oakland Raiders +3
Denver Broncos -3
Over/Under 47
Odds Analysis
The Broncos have looked really good at home thus far and more than 80 percent of the money is on them to cover. The Raiders were awful last time out against Washington and it was on national television in primetime, which is turning the general public off.
The scoring total is middle of the road, as the Raiders have a good offense while the Broncos have a lockdown defense. The “under” seems like the more logical play and it is indeed the pick by the majority of bettors thus far.
The Raiders are the +132 underdog on the moneyline, and more than 72 percent of the action is on them. Denver is a -152 favorite to take care of business.
Injury Report
Michael Crabtree -- The Oakland wideout hurt his chest against the Redskins in Week 3 but X-rays were negative and he practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday. That’s a good sign for his availability, but the Raiders really need him to be full-go as the Broncos have arguably the best secondary in the NFL.
Bradley Roby -- The Broncos’ slot cornerback has an ankle injury and was in a boot earlier this week, which doesn’t portend great things ahead. The team has two outstanding cover corners in Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, and Roby is the icing on the cake. If he can’t go, don’t be surprised if the Raiders target his replacement and avoid the other two corners.
Gareon Conley -- Oakland’s rookie cornerback has been dealing with a shin issue since training camp and it flared up recently. He didn’t practice on Wednesday, and his status is definitely one to watch. The Broncos don’t have a great passing game but quarterback Trevor Siemian has shown the ability to make plays.
Key Stat
128. That was the total yards accumulated by the Raiders in their 27-10 loss to the Redskins on Sunday night, a shockingly low number for a high-powered offense. Quarterback Derek Carr played poorly, throwing for for only 118 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
Marshawn Lynch couldn’t get anything going on the ground, carrying the ball only six times for 18 yards. Oakland was coming off a game in which it scored 45 points against the Jets and has a track record of success dating back a couple of years.
This is a formidable defense and it will be interesting to see how Oakland bounces back. The pieces are too talented to struggle as badly as it did last time out, but if the Broncos’ defense controls this game, it will be tough for the Raiders to pull the upset.
Free ATS Pick
While the Raiders have a strong passing game, the way to stay in this game is by running the ball consistently. Oakland should be able to hang around, but the Broncos play well at home and should be able to both win this game and cover the spread.
The “under” is the easy choice on the scoring total as this one could be a grind for both teams.
NFL Odds: Broncos 24, Raiders 20
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
