Raiders vs Broncos MNF Betting Preview
In tonight's NFL Week 3 Monday Night Football showdown, the Denver Broncos will host the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, in what most American Football fans and oddsmakers alike are expecting to be a very much one-sided game, as these AFC West Divisional rivals prepare to do battle.
The home team have been posted as the overwhelming -15.5 point favourites at most online betting sites including Bodog, no doubt because the Broncos kicked off the season in such fine fettle, having dominated their first two games by racking up over 40 points in each. Particularly worth mentioning is QB Peyton Manning, who at the age of 37 just seems to be getting better.
Broncos QB Peyton Manning on Fire
No matter what happens for the rest of the season, no one will be able to forget how in his opening game, Manning - who should in theory be retired - became one of just six players in the history of NFL to throw a whopping seven touchdowns in a single game. Added to that, in the same game, he did not throw a single interception.
But it's not like Manning is single-handedly carrying the Denver Broncos, because if the team's first two games of the season have shown anything, it's that both offensively and defensively, Denver is playing tight, cohesive and well-oiled football, the way any NFL franchise with serious Super Bowl ambitions should.
For instance, offensively running back Knowshon Moreno has also been making waves so far this season with his highly effective rushing game. Against the Giants last time out, he managed to rush the ball 13 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns. There is no doubt that if Moreno can repeat this for the remainder of the season, the Broncos will be feared in the League.
Ihenacho is Delivering Stand Out Performances
Defensively, safety Duke Ihenacho is already proving to be one of the Bronco's stand out players so far this season, have already stood out so far this season, which is surprising considering he came out of San Jose State undrafted. Although he picked up a slight ankle injury last time out, he is expected to play this evening against the Raiders.
Looking at the Oakland Raiders, they are not nearly as sharp as their Week 3 Monday Night Football rivals, but do have some strengths that may help cause an upset - albeit highly unlikely - tonight. One of these strengths is the team's starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who has stood out in both of the Raiders' two games so far this season, despite a loss in one of them.
The big Monday Night Football betting question is whether the youthful Pryor will be any match against the older, and more experienced Manning tonight in Denver? For my NFL betting buck, the answer is no. I see the Oakland Raiders buckling under pressure to perform against arguably the best team in the AFC West so far this season.
Here are the latest Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos MNF betting lines at Bodog online sportsbook:
Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Odds
| Team | Point Spread | Total |
| Oakland Raiders | +15.5 | 49.5 (1.87)o |
| Denver Broncos | -15.5 | (1.95)u |
