NFL Oakland Raiders

5 Keys For Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos

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By @Kevin_Saito

5 Keys For Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos

Open Slide
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders have the unfortunate task of facing Peyton Manning, sure to be fired up after a terrible showing in a loss to the Bengals, in the season finale. While the Raiders will make vacation plans after this game, Denver still has much to play for in terms of playoff seeding. Oakland will need to be on their game if they hope to finish the season on a positive note, by beating their arch rivals. Here are their five keys to victory over Denver.

5. Contain CJ Anderson

Anderson
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. Contain CJ Anderson

Anderson
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since he began receiving the bulk of Denver's carries out of the backfield, CJ Anderson has proven to be very well up to the task, and he's been a dangerous and powerful runner. Though the Raiders have improved greatly in their rushing defense, they are still sometimes susceptible to giving up chunks of yards on the ground. They will need to disrupt Denver's running game with good penetration and solid tackling.

4. Relentless Pressure On Peyton Manning

Manning
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

4. Relentless Pressure On Peyton Manning

Manning
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders would do well in emulating Cincinnati's game plan from last week. The Bengals were relentless in their pressure of Manning, forcing him into a terrible, four interception, 61.8 QB rating game. Oakland will need to dial up some exotic blitz packages that bring pressure from a variety of different angles. They need to get in Manning's face and stay there all day long.

3. Eliminate The Mistakes, Big Plays

Big Plays
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Eliminate The Mistakes, Big Plays

Big Plays
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

In their first meeting with Denver, Oakland was holding their own until a series of mistakes late in the first half got the ball rolling in what turned out to be a Broncos blowout win. First was CJ Anderson's 51-yard touchdown catch and run – a play that should have been stopped for a minimal game. After that, the Broncos made big play after big play. The Raiders must avoid a repeat performance if they hope to stand a chance.

2. Get Latavius Murray Going Early

Murray
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Get Latavius Murray Going Early

Murray
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In winning three of their last five games, the Raiders have seen the benefits of establishing a running game. It opens up the offense if the defense has to account for Oakland's running backs rather than just sit everybody back in coverage. It would behoove OC Greg Olson and the Raiders to get Latavius Murray going early, and throw in Darren McFadden as a change of pace back. A potent running game will yield good results for the offense.

1. Be Efficient In The Passing Game

Passing Game
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Be Efficient In The Passing Game

Passing Game
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Denver's defense is tough. They don't have many weaknesses, so it is going to be vital that Derek Carr be as efficient as possible. He must take what the defense gives him, and avoid trying to do too much. He may not be able to throw the 50-yard bomb like he did against Buffalo, but a shorter, steadier passing game that moves the chains and results in points is just as good. Efficient, extended drives will also benefit the defense.

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