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First Look: Oakland Raiders

It's Tuesday evening - that means we take our first look at the week ahead with a quick scouting report on the Denver Broncos' upcoming opponent. This week: the rival Oakland Raiders.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
OAK

Record: 1-1
Streak: Won 1
All-time vs. Denver: 59-44-2
Last time: Broncos 26, Raiders 13 (12/06/12)
The Line: Broncos by 15.5

Are you ready for some football?! The Denver Broncos (2-0), who are coming off a 41-23 win over the New York Giants in Week 2, will open AFC West play at home against their long-time rivals, the Oakland Raiders (1-1), on Monday Night Football September 23rd. Kickoff at Sports Authority Field at Mile High is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. MDT.

Who's hot

RB Darren McFadden and QB Terrelle Pryor. Both players rank in the top three in the AFC in rushing yards - Darren McFadden is first (177 yards) while Pryor is third (163 yards). The Raiders are 11-2 all-time when Darren McFadden eclipses 100 rushing yards - he's done that three times in his career against the Broncos.

Who's not

Oakland receivers. Only one receiving threat on the Raiders has gotten over 50 yards receiving in a game this season - Rod Streater in Week 1. That's due to QB Terrelle Pryor only throwing for a tepid 126 yards last week. Pryor only has one passing touchdown this season, a five-yard pass to Denarius Moore in Week 2.

Matchup to Watch

DEs Jason Hunter and Lamarr Houston vs. OTs Chris Clark and Orlando Franklin. Remember Jason Hunter? The former Bronco leads Raiders defensive linemen with two sacks, while Houston has another. But more importantly, the Raiders lead the entire NFL in the sack category, with nine on the season. They will blitz defensive backs Usama Young (1.5 sacks) and Tracy Porter (1.5 sacks - remember him?) to get to Peyton Manning, providing a challenge for Denver's pass protection, which is expected to be without All Pro left tackle Ryan Clady.

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