This painful season has finally reached it’s conclusion, but once it’s gone, you know we’ll miss it. In this penultimate roundtable, our Broncos experts preview the upcoming matchup with the Raiders and analyze the recent decision to give Vic Fangio the 2021 season.

Are you rooting for the Broncos to beat the rival Raiders, or would you rather see them improve draft position? Also, is there a “correct answer” or are both acceptable?

Doug Ottewill: The correct answer is losing is better. It’s week 17, it’s fine to admit that now. What I’m “rooting for” is a well-played game by Drew Lock and Jerry Jeudy. No turnovers, maybe Lock and Jeudy connect for 10 catches 110 yards, and two touchdowns. But, the Broncos defense finally waves the white flag and gives up a final drive to lose 34-31.

Rich Kurtzman: Teams should always fight to win and not to tank. This is the last game for 7-plus months, the last thing everyone will be thinking of when looking toward to 2021. Of course, a loss would be OK with the higher pick, but they need to go out fighting

Zach Segars: I’m personally rooting for a Broncos victory on Sunday, but I won’t at all be disappointed with a loss considering the draft upside. That said, there’s no correct answer. Being a “fan” of a sports team is all about giving yourself personal enjoyment, and there aren’t any rules on how you can enjoy yourself. Take solace in whatever you want to take solace in, whether that be a win over a rival, or a better draft pick and potentially brighter future.

What do you think about the decision to give Vic Fangio a third season?

Doug Ottewill: It’s not fun or interesting. But, considering all the things that plague the Broncos above the level of head coach, it makes sense. Let Fangio coach another year – they’re not winning it all next year either, so what’s the difference – and assess from there along with the contract situations of Joe Ellis and John Elway. And oh by the way, it’s feasible that there’s a new ownership structure in place to begin the 2022 season, so one more of Fangio seems to make sense. 

Rich Kurtzman: Fangio coming back for Year 3 was the right move. This team was in ruin after Vance Joseph and they are starting to come back together. Fangio’s defense has been very good, even with a ton of turnover and injuries. I’m looking forward to how good they can be next year with a healthy Von Miller. If they miss the playoffs again in 2021, Fangio should be on the hot seat, and if they only win 5 games, he should then be fired.

Zach Segars: I feel great about it. Now, are the Broncos where they want to be yet? No, but that’s the thing about a re-build. You have to build. You can’t just throw the foundation down and then destroy it before throwing another foundation and repeating the cycle every two years. That’s how you become the Browns. This was the most snake-bitten Broncos team in franchise history (in terms of injury), they had the league’s toughest schedule, had to some of the worst quarterback play in the league, were without their best offensive and defensive players the entire season, and still won 5-6 games. In the words of Aaron Rodgers, R-E-L-A-X.

What is the biggest key to a Broncos victory this week?

Doug Ottewill: What is the biggest key to a Broncos victory this week? The defense. Last game against the Raiders, the defense was not good at all. If they’re good, the Broncos have a shot to win. You’d like to see a Drew Lock-led offense put up more than 30, but if that’s the requirement, chances are they’ll lose.

Rich Kurtzman: Broncos have to control the ball. That means run the clock but also they cannot turn it over. Denver’s -20 turnover differential is worst in the league by a long shot; can’t win games when you’re turning it over every week.

Zach Segars: Drew Lock playing smart football. This Raiders defense is downright easy to attack. Their offense on the other hand, is very difficult to defend. If the Broncos are to win this game, they’ll have to put up points, and that falls on Lock.

Who will be Denver’s player of the game?

Doug Ottewill: Jerry Jeudy. If Pat Shurmur does one thing on Sunday, it’s try to give Jeudy confidence heading into the offseason. Jeudy is arguably the Broncos most explosive offensive weapon, and you want him to feel that way all offseason long.  

Rich Kurtzman: Melvin Gordon will go off for 120 and 2 TDs.

Zach Segars: Drew Lock. This Raiders defense is the worst in football and he should be able to exploit it. It would be very troubling if they managed to crush him a second-consecutive time.

What’s your score prediction?

Doug Ottewill: See above…34-31 daaa Raiiiiiduuuuhhhhhs! 

Rich Kurtzman: Broncos win 33-30

Zach Segars: Broncos win 30-23