Richard Sherman: Broncos Should Handle Business Against Struggling Raiders

Thursday Night Football is coming up, and this week we’ve got the Raiders taking on the Broncos—a matchup that, on paper, looks a little lopsided. Our friends at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook have the Broncos favored by nine, and honestly, that number feels legitimate.

Let’s be real

The Raiders have struggled mightily this season. It’s been tough sledding all year, and the issues go deeper than the record. They’ve battled inconsistency, turnover problems, and a lack of rhythm on offense. My guy Geno Smith—who’s been up and down—has had a tough time protecting the ball, throwing too many interceptions early on. But last week, he seemed to rediscover his groove, tossing four touchdowns with Brock Bowers back in the lineup. That connection could be the one bright spot in an otherwise dim offensive picture.

Still, the roster moves haven’t helped. The Raiders just traded Jakobi Meyers—a talented receiver but an unhappy one—to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fourth and sixth-round pick. The cupboard’s bare, and when you’re heading into Denver without many weapons, that’s a recipe for trouble.

Because this Broncos defense? It’s no joke. Riley Moss, Talanoa Hufanga, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Zach Allen—these guys bring pressure from everywhere. They fly around, they play disciplined football, and they’ll make life miserable for a quarterback who doesn’t have much help around him. That front seven can absolutely take over games, and I expect them to do just that.

The Raiders are sitting at 2–6 and are the underdog for a reason, and while I feel bad for my guy Pete, it’s hard to see this one going their way. The Broncos have momentum, they’ve got the better defense, and they’re playing with confidence.

My TNF pick

I’m rolling with Denver to cover that nine-point spread. But hey—you never know in the NFL. That’s why they play the game.