Talib, Chris Harris, and Bradley Roby would be a sufficient answer for the trio of Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, and Seth Roberts.
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That first big test will come this Sunday night in a prime-time affair on NBC, as the Raiders host the Denver Broncos. “But definitely, I’d be lying if I didn’t say it is in my mind”.
“It’s a good way to start the back end of the season and a tough test for us”, Kubiak said.
The credit in a situation like this usually falls on quarterbacks, head coaches and general managers, but a closer look at the Raiders reveals that, while Derek Carr, Jack Del Rio and Reggie McKenzie certainly deserve some accolades, the offensive line is the biggest reason for Oakland’s success in 2016.
“We’re not going to dwell on it, ” Del Rio said.
“They’ve been a really good balanced team as far as running the ball and passing the ball”.
So what other surprises may we see for the rest of the year?
Anyone who has paid close attention to the 6-2 Raiders knows just how well the line has played through eight games, and anyone who has paid any attention to the National Football League over the last few years knows how rare it is to get the kind of protection Carr has enjoyed during the 2016 season. “You’ve got to keep taking shots until you have the guy that you feel is going to do what you need done”. Probably the biggest football team we’ll play. Remember Oakland only lost to the Falcons by 7, a team that has gone on to beat teams like the Packers and Broncos so there is no shame there, and the loss to the Chiefs could be chalked up to Oakland not having a full complement of RB’s in poor conditions when RB’s are needed most.
The Denver Broncos will be without one of their top defenders Sunday when they take on the Oakland Raiders, as cornerback Aqib Talib has reportedly been ruled out of the game. Their win against Seattle showed promise for this team, even if they faced a poor offensive team. “I think the world of them”. “Every time you ask me, I smile and light up”. San Francisco allows the most points per game while the Saints score the second-most points per game in the league, so look for Brees to sling the ball around and help lead your fantasy team to a win this weekend.
“I just worry about the chemistry this team has and what it’s doing right now”, he said.
Lions (+5.5) over Vikings: You’ve seen the Vikings offense lately. Averaging seven fantasy points won’t get it done each week if you’re poised for a playoff run. You also have to do what the defense is telling you to do, too.
If the Broncos are going to rebound from Siemian throwing three interceptions, their defense will have to make some plays as well. Gordon gained 111 yards on 23 carries and 44 receiving yards on four receptions against the league’s best defense.
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The Broncos have had injury issues in their backfield. Talib missed last week’s win over San Diego, and the previous three days of practice. Linebacker Brandon Marshall (hamstring) and center Matt Paradis (hip) were the other two, but Kubiak said he expects all to be available. Smith came back to practice Thursday despite a shoulder injury keeping him out of all but two plays against the Bucs. Sean Smith has rebounded from a awful Week 1 to regain his form as a solid #1 cornerback and DJ Hayden is showing flashes of his considerable promise.
