The very first NFL game I attended was an alumni game between the late 70’s era Broncos and Raiders. I remember my mother being irate that Lyle Alzado was suiting up for the silver and black, but other than that, I remember very little about that game other than the fireworks that followed this meaningless summer contest.

...actually, that’s not entirely true.

I also remember a fragile old woman who had too much to drink working her way down the ramps of old Mile High screeching Raiders war chants as we shuffled our way out of the stadium. The Broncos who had brought the city of Denver to Super Bowl XII (minus Alzado) didn’t have what it took to beat the Raiders of sometime around 1983. My mother was livid.

At that time, I had no idea the history between the two teams. It was then, as that woman coughed her support for the Raiders to an unreceptive crowd, that I understood that losing to the Raiders must never, ever, happen.

When it comes to the AFC West, there is no better rivalry than that of the Denver Broncos and wherever the nomadic Raiders call home. During the 60’s and most of the 70’s, the Denver Broncos never stood a chance against the powerhouse Raiders. In the time since then, Denver has shown that the Raiders are little more than an afterthought as the Broncos rang up enough Super Bowl victories to challenge the Raiders for divisional supremacy in the NFL.

There are some that want the Broncos to lose Monday’s game so that they may obtain a better draft position in the 2019 draft. While ordinarily, I would agree, there is never reason enough to lose to Oakland... or wherever they’ll be from these next few years. While football has become a business, the history of destroying one’s arch rival holds true. In a season marred by incompetent coaching and even worse play-calling, there’s no better way to make a case for any team who may be looking to hire a defensive coordinator (cough, cough Vance to the Bengals) than to beat the Raiders.

HORSE TRACKS

Three Keys to Broncos-Raiders
From games to players to postseason chances, the Broncos have lost a great deal in recent weeks. But if they are to beat the Raiders, it will happen because of what they still possess.

C.J. Anderson of Los Angeles Rams rushes for 167 yards in place of Todd Gurley
C.J. Anderson showed he knew the Rams' offense just fine despite signing only five days earlier as uncertainty over a knee injury clouded the status of Todd Gurley.

It would appear as if Bill Musgrave doesn't trust Case Keenum
It would appear as if Bill Musgrave doesn't trust his quarterback.

Denver could spoil Oakland’s possible final home game at Coliseum
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Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay had plans to become a police officer | 9news.com
Lindsay, who played for the CU, was applying for jobs as a police officer as he chased his dream to play in the NFL. Now he's set to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl.

Broncos, Raiders meet in midst of lost seasons
The Raiders are just hoping to get out of this season without more injuries.

Vance Joseph expected to emerge as candidate for Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator
If the Broncos part ways with Vance Joseph, he is expected to emerge as a candidate for the Bengals' defensive coordinator job and potentially even their head-coaching job when Marvin Lewis decides he has had enough of coaching, a league source told ESPN.

Paul Klee: John Elway charged with total reset of Denver Broncos operation - from top to bottom | Premium | gazette.com
DENVER • With his right arm, the laser-rocket one, leaning on a driver, John Elway stood on the first tee box at the beautiful Broadmoor and soaked in the view

Monday Night Football odds, line: Broncos vs. Raiders picks, predictions from expert who's 10-3 on Denver games - CBSSports.com
Micah Roberts has his finger on the pulse of Von Miller and the Broncos

RAIDERS GAME DAY: Position breakdown vs. Denver Broncos | Las Vegas Review-Journal
The Raiders host the Denver Broncos at 5:15 p.m. in a “Monday Night Football” game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Here’s a breakdown by position.

Broncos are planning to fire Vance Joseph, hopeful of interviewing John Harbaugh should he become available - CBSSports.com
Harbaugh will be the most coveted coach on the market if he doesn't return to Ravens

Christian McCaffrey sets record for most RB catches - NFL.com
We're in a new age of versatile backs. Christian McCaffrey is officially the face of it. McCaffrey broke the NFL record for most catches made by a running back in a single season Sunday.

Bears beat 49ers, keep hope alive for a first-round bye – ProFootballTalk
The Bears still have a shot at a first-round playoff bye. That's because they did what they needed to do today in San Francisco, beating the 49ers in a 14-9 game that saw their defense dominate but their offense and special teams look less than impressive.

Saints hold off Steelers to clinch top seed in NFC – ProFootballTalk
Officials called Joe Haden for pass interference on two Saints' fourth-down plays. Both led to Saints' touchdowns. Michael Thomas caught a 2-yard touchdown pass against Haden with 1:25 remaining for the winning points.

Dolphins ownership considering sweeping changes, but GM Chris Grier likely safe - CBSSports.com
Both Adam Gase and Mike Tannenbaum could be let go

Raiders playing home games in London next season not being considered as an option - CBSSports.com
League sources tell NFL Insider Jason La Canfora that no additional expansion of international play has been discussed

NFL flexes Colts-Titans to Sunday night for Week 17, reveals start times for all other games - CBSSports.com
The NFL has announced the entire schedule for Week 17

Patriots could see exodus of coaches, executives in 2019 due to concerns about team's future - CBSSports.com
It's inevitable the Pats will have to rebuild and it's unknown how the organization will function when Robert Kraft steps down

NFL Playoff Picture Week 16 standings: Steelers likely out of playoffs, Saints clinch home-field advantage - CBSSports.com
Everything you need to know about the NFL playoff hunt with the Week 16 results rolling in

LeSean McCoy says he didn't start vs. New England Patriots because of 'situation' with Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott
Bills running back LeSean McCoy said a "situation" with coach Sean McDermott was the reason McCoy did not start in Sunday's game at New England, but he did not elaborate further.

New York Jets coach Todd Bowles lashes out at officiating -- 'I thought we were playing the Packers and the striped shirts'
In an uncharacteristic move, a visibly upset Todd Bowles lashed out at the officiating Sunday after a penalty-marred overtime loss to Green Bay. "I thought we were playing the Packers and the striped shirts," the Jets coach vented.

NFL, NFLPA ask drug-testing administrator to look into allegations by Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid
The NFL and NFL Players Association have asked the administrator of their independent drug-testing program to look into allegations by Panthers safety Eric Reid regarding the number of times he has been tested this season, sources told ESPN.

Baker Mayfield pleads ignorance after appearing to stare down Hue Jackson
Baker Mayfield appeared to glare toward former coach Hue Jackson on the sidelines for a fair amount of time late in the Cleveland Browns' 26-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Texans believe Demaryius Thomas has torn Achilles - NFL.com
Houston's receiving corps has likely suffered a significant loss. Texans receiver Demaryius Thomas was carted off the field and ruled out after suffering what's believed to be a torn Achilles.

Richard Sherman, two Bears WRs ejected after fight - NFL.com
Niners cornerback Richard Sherman and Bears receivers Anthony Miller and Josh Bellamy were ejected following a skirmish that started with a late hit to Mitchell Trubisky.

Nick Foles' record day keeps Philadelphia Eagles in playoff hunt - NFL.com
Nick Foles' franchise record 471 passing yards helped lift the Philadelphia Eagles over the Houston Texans on Sunday to keep the Eagles in the hunt for an NFC wild-card spot heading into Week 17.

Arizona’s final 2018 home game felt like Larry Fitzgerald’s final home game – ProFootballTalk
Cardinals fans will cheer again -- even louder -- if Larry Fitzgerald decides to return for a 16th season. But Sunday seemed like a retirement party in the Cardinals' final home game of 2018. From start to finish, they honored one of the franchise's most revered players.

Rams cruise to 31-9 win over Cardinals – ProFootballTalk
The Rams are a step closer to clinching a first-round bye. They improved to 12-3 on the season with a comfortable 31-9 victory over the Cardinals in Arizona on Sunday afternoon. With the Bears beating the 49ers, they'll need a win or a Bears loss to seal one of the top two seeds.