Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 17th at 4:25 PM ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Betting Odds: DEN, -3.5, 44.5 Total on Vegas Insider
Network: CBS
Las Vegas Raiders
QUARTERBACK
Derek Carr (Sit)
With head coach Jon Gruden stepping down, it’s going to be interesting to see if the Raiders continue to pass the ball at such a frequent level. Either way, facing a difficult Broncos defense in a game with a low-game total, Derek Carr probably isn’t the ideal starting option this week. Taylor Heinicke faces the Chiefs, for instance. Without a rushing floor, a new offensive play-caller, and a tough defense facing a slow-paced offense, all signs aren’t pointing well for Carr this week.
RUNNING BACKS
Josh Jacobs (Start, RB2), Kenyan Drake (Sit)
We were expecting some sort of split between Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, but Jacobs has instead taken the entire bulk load of the carries and snaps. He’s now gotten five targets in back-to-back games, and is suddenly the three-down back you can feel comfortable starting, even against Denver. It will be interesting to see if a new play-caller is good news or not for Drake, but he’s essentially been a nonfactor since Jacobs has come back, and it’s probably time to look elsewhere on the waiver wire.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Henry Ruggs III (Sit), Hunter Renfrow (Sit), Bryan Edwards (Sit), Darren Waller (Start)
Between Hunter Renfrow’s reliability and Henry Ruggs III’s big-play ability, there are weeks they can be useful “WR3” options. Against a tough Broncos defense in what is projected to be a low-scoring affair, it’s unlikely that this is the week for any of the team’s receivers. However, you should start Darren Waller, because few decisions are simpler than that; who can match those targets from the tight end position?
Denver Broncos
QUARTERBACKS
Teddy Bridgewater (Sit)
On the bright side, I think Teddy Bridgewater, based on his rushing upside and facing a worse defense, is a better quarterback pick this week than Carr. That being said, the ceiling here, based on the team’s offensive pace and preferred style of play, is very low. It was good to see him back in action after suffering a concussion, though! It was definitely a hard-fought comeback in Pittsburgh that demonstrates exactly why “Teddy Two Gloves” is the best.
RUNNING BACKS
Melvin Gordon III (Start, FLEX), Javonte Williams (Start, FLEX)
When will Javonte Williams separate himself from Melvin Gordon III? That’s the question we’ve been asking all year, but they’re still stuck in the tightest 50/50 split imaginable. The Raiders rank 11th-worst in PFF run defense grade, so the hope is both can be efficient enough in a run-heavy offense to be viable FLEX starters. Hopefully, at some point, we see Williams get his time to shine! Nothing against Gordon III, but the rookie running back is absolutely electric!
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Courtland Sutton (Start, WR2), Tim Patrick (Sit), Kendall Hinton (Sit), Noah Fant (Start)
Some were worried about how Bridgewater’s usual lack of aggression would affect Courtland Sutton this season, but, instead, Bridgewater is airing it out. Sutton has received 8+ targets in back-to-back games, and the combination of him leading the team in target share and being used down the field as he has is a great combination. Heck, on days where more passing volume can be expected, Tim Patrick can hold some value too! As for Noah Fant, I know last week didn’t go as planned, but his snaps are trending in the right direction, and the Raiders have historically struggled against tight ends. Make sure to keep the faith and start him- a touchdown could be on your way!
All Stats via Pro Football Focus