Broncos vs Raiders Week 16 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Preview: Who Will Start 8-7?

(Photo : Nick Cammett/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OHIO - Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders throws the ball in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 20, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio.

A critical matchup will be heading our way in Week 16 as the Las Vegas Raiders host the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of 7-7 teams? Here's a breakdown of the Broncos vs Raiders clash.

Denver Broncos installed as +1 underdogs

The Denver Broncos lost for the seventh time in 11 games, suffering a 15-10 defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a costly result for the Broncos, who dropped out of the playoff picture with the loss. They are now ranked 13^th in the AFC standings with a 7-7 record.

The good news for the Broncos is that they are not far off from the teams holding the wild card spots in the AFC. They trail the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills by just a single game heading into the final three weeks of the regular season.

The Broncos will have to face the Raiders without one of their main players with Teddy Bridgewater likely sidelined for that key Week 16 clash. Bridgewater suffered a scary head injury during the third quarter of the Broncos' loss to the Bengals. He took a massive hit while scrambling, causing him to lay motionless on the field for several minutes.

The good news for the Broncos is that Bridgewater is out of the hospital with the starting quarterback now resting at his home. He is still in the team's concussion protocol, making it highly unlikely that he will suit up against the Raiders. That means quarterback duties will once again be given to Drew Lock this Sunday.

He completed 6 of 12 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Bengals. Lock made a huge mistake in that contest, giving the ball away to Khalid Kareem when the Broncos were on a second-and-goal opportunity.

Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 16 as -1 favorites

Las Vegas' playoff hopes remained very much alive after the Raiders recorded a thrilling 16-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in their AFC showdown in Week 15. The Raiders are currently in 10^th place in the AFC standings with a 7-7 slate, not far back from the five teams sharing 8-6 records.

Daniel Carlson was the hero for the Raiders on Monday night, kicking the game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired. Derek Carr created that opportunity, leading the Raiders to field goal range with a 51-yard drive in the final 1:50 of the contest. He finished the game with 236 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The Raiders will look to keep the momentum going against the Broncos in a titanic showdown at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders have won just three of their seven games at home this season. They will face a Broncos side that is 3-3 on the road this campaign.

The Raiders will fancy their chances of grabbing the victory this Sunday as they have fared extremely well against the Broncos of late. The Raiders have won their last three games against the Broncos, including a 34-24 victory earlier this season.