Denver looks to improve to 2-0 this weekend at Broncos Stadium at Mile High when the Oakland Raiders come to Denver for the Broncos first divisional game of 2018.

Beating Oakland has always proved a challenge for Denver who currently is on the losing end of the head-to-head all-time and at home. (26-29-2, .474)

But a new year comes new opportunities. Here are three keys for the Broncos to beating the Raiders and notching a win on Sunday.

It’s no secret. Denver is not good against tight ends. Will Dissly caught three receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown on Sunday against Denver, who seemingly had no resistance against the big target. Denver’s next task is Jared Cook, who caught nine receptions for 180 yards last week.

Cook’s big body not only leads to favorable match ups for the Raiders on offense, but allows the veteran tight end to break tackles after-the-catch. If Denver can simply contain Cook, they will be in good business to stop the Raiders offense.

The Rams last week against Carr put on constant pressure to the young signal-caller. Pressure up the middle and around the edges had Carr skittish and completely crumbled the offense in the second half. Carr threw three interceptions and in a many instances, threw the ball away much quicker than needed.

If Denver’s pass rush gets to Carr early and often. It could set up another week of poor offensive play from Oakland and a potential win for Denver.

  • Run. The. Football.

Last week the Rams gashed the Raiders on the ground to the tune of 26 carries for 140 yards as a team. This looks quite similar to the 32 carries for 146 yards that Denver gashed Seattle for in Week 1. Therefore, if Denver replicates this success once again on the ground, while remaining balanced between Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay. Many signs would point towards a Denver towards a win.

Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.

You can follow Ronnie Kohrt on Twitter for more news regarding the Broncos by clicking here and catch up on latest conversations about the Broncos, or listen to the podcast below.

Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.

Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.