Denver Broncos’ Scoring Potential Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16

The Denver Broncos‘ came up short last week at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. After scoring 38 points the week before against the Detroit Lions, the Broncos failed to muster much offense against a tough Cincinnati defense.

This week, Denver will head to Sin City to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in a game where both teams’ playoff hopes hang in the balance. The NFL odds currently have the Broncos as a +1.5 underdog, but let’s look and see what Denver’s scoring potential is this week.

Game Information

• Date: Sunday, Dec. 26th
• Time: 4:25 P.M. EST
• Venue: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV
• Participants: Broncos at Raiders

Denver Broncos Scoring Trends

The Broncos’ offense has been a roller coaster ride this season. They have put up 10, 38, 9, 28, 13, and 30 points in their last six games, so it’s hard to know what to expect.

On the season, Denver ranks 18th in total offense (341.2 YPG) and 21st in points scored (20.4). The Broncos have played the Raiders already this year back in Week 6, where they lost 34-24. Teddy Bridgewater had a solid outing in that contest, throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

But after being carted off with a concussion last week, Bridgewater has been ruled out this week. Next in line is Drew Lock, who came in last week and, in limited time, threw for 88 yards and a touchdown.

The Raiders Defense Is Susceptible to the Run

The good news for Broncos fans is that they’re playing one of the lowest-run defenses in the league. The Raiders rank 25th against the run (122.7 YPG), and the last time these teams met, the Broncos averaged close to five yards per rush.

Denver’s offense is built around the run, with dual-threat running backs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon rushing for 815 and 769, respectively, on the season. And with Drew Lock at the helm, you can expect a heavy dose of ground and pound in this one. If the Broncos can establish a solid run game, it should help Lock connect with his receivers for a big play or two.

Broncos at Raiders: What To Expect?

The Raiders have given up an average of 26.7 points per game this year, good for 30th in the league. Last week they allowed just 14 against the Cleveland Browns, but keep in mind the Browns were starting third-string QB Nick Mullens and had a handful of key starters on the COVID-19 list. The week before last, the Raiders were blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs 48-9.

However, points have been hard to come by for the Broncos this year, and they will now most likely be without starting quarterback Bridgewater. Drew Lock has only thrown 40 passes this year, so it’s tough to know what to expect from him.

Prediction: Raiders win 23-20

Who Do You Have for This Week’s King of the Weekend Promo?

The unpredictable nature of the Denver Broncos’ offense makes them a risky play this weekend. While it’s certainly possible they could score against the Raiders’ porous defense, the unknown factor of Lock puts this game into question. I believe that there are better options for the King of the Weekend promo.

Head to BetMGM to make your picks in this week’s King of the Weekend promo. Pick the six teams that you believe will score the most points, and you could win up to $50,000.