1. The streak
Since the Silver and Black have relocated to the city of Las Vegas, they've had the upper hand against this particular division opponent.
The Raiders are currently riding an eight-game winning streak against the Denver Broncos. It's tied as the second-longest active win streak in the league against one team.
However, the last thing Antonio Pierce and the Raiders want to do is rely on their past success going into this game.
"We haven't played them yet [this season]. So, the past is the past," Pierce said earlier this week. "You can't talk about those 8,12, 20 games, whatever many years back. We're talking about this year, the 2024 Raiders and the Broncos, and they're playing really good. They're coming off a two-game winning streak on the road against two good quarterbacks and teams. It's going to be a challenge for us on the road against that team."
2. It starts up front
The Raiders offense might have their hands full against a top-notch Broncos defense that's allowed the third-fewest yards to opposing offenses through four games.
The key to the Broncos' success has been their pass rush, with the highest percentage of blitzes per dropback (44.1) while also ranking in the top six in the league in quarterback knockdowns (19) and quarterback pressures (44). Defensive end Zach Allen currently leads all interior linemen in average get-off (0.85 seconds) and quarterback pressure percentage (15.1), according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
"[U]p front, they do a really nice job. They put a lot of pressure on you," offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. "They make you block a lot of one on ones, right? So, they don't let you just sit there and slide to people. They put a lot of pressure on you and stress on you and you've got to stand up to it. And they've done an excellent job, really for the last season and a half now, so they definitely pose a problem for us and we're excited to take it on that challenge."
3. Is Mad Maxx back?
After missing the first game of his NFL career, Maxx Crosby was back on the practice field Friday afternoon and has officially been listed as questionable on the injury report.
He currently leads the team in sacks (three) and tackles for loss (five). Nevertheless, Pierce isn't trying to rush the star edge rusher back onto the field.
"[A]t the end of the day, my job is to protect Maxx Crosby from Maxx Crosby," Pierce said. "If it was up to Maxx, he'll be out there practicing every day, at every game, wouldn't miss one snap, but we've seen that over the years. I think as you look at the player, you look at the organization, you've got to do what's best for both, and that's what we're doing with Maxx."
It's also worth noting that Crosby has an active nine-game streak against the Denver Broncos in which he has recorded at least one sack.
4. The two Amaris
The linebacker room is looking scarce as Divine Deablo and Kana'i Mauga are questionable and Luke Masterson has been ruled out.
With the potential absence of those three linebackers, the defense could lean on second-year player Amari Burney and rookie UDFA Amari Gainer. Burney, a safety to linebacker convert from Florida, came in near the end of the Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns and totaled one tackle in his 12 defensive snaps. Gainer, who the Raiders could use as an off-ball or edge rushing linebacker, played in 10 defensive snaps against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
"I think it's situational. I think that'll change," Pierce said of potential linebacker usage this Sunday. "If you kind of follow last week's game, situational football will show with those other two linebackers, but I don't see Spill [Robert Spillane] ever coming out. Hopefully that never happens. But with different packages, different situations, you'll see different personnel groupings."
5. Preparing to start
Zamir White has been ruled doubtful for Sunday's game, which means Alexander Mattison will be next in line to serve as the feature back.
Mattison has been one of the bright spots in the Raiders offense this season, scoring a touchdown (rushing or receiving) in each of his first three games. Last Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, he averaged 12 yards a carry.
"I practice, I prepare mentally, physically the same way every single week," Mattison said. "I've done so all my whole career. [I've] had some great mentorship to let me prepare like the starter every single time. Since college I've had that mentality. So, for me, nothing changes. Just go in there and make sure whatever capacity that is, I'm giving it my all to help this team win."
If White is ultimately ruled inactive, Ameer Abdullah and rookie Dylan Laube could be in place for more snaps as well in Denver.
6. Getting better every day
Tyree Wilson is coming off one of his best games to date in his NFL career.
After filling in on the left side of the defensive line for Crosby against the Browns, Wilson finished with two quarterback hits and a 21.4 percent pass rush win rate from Pro Football Focus. He was also the highest graded Raider in the contest with a 82.7 defensive grade.
"I expect him to get better every day," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "Just get better every day. He's a physical specimen, obviously. He has good length; he plays with good strength. Most young players on the front, it's about getting your eyes right, get your eyes right on your keys. ... So, that's where most young players are at this point, and we're trying to make sure we get that right."
The 2023 first-rounder is continuing to develop his game as his snap count ramps up, and even if Crosby can play or not, Wilson could be a X-factor for the defense this Sunday.
As the Raiders prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos, view past matchups between the Silver and Black and their division rival.
Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) lines up before the snap during the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, January 1, 1978, in Denver, Colo.
The Oakland Raiders defense on the field during the AFC Championship away game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, January 1, 1978, in Denver, Colo.
The Raiders take the field during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, September 3, 1978, in Denver, Colo.
Los Angeles Raiders kicker Chris Bahr (10) is congratulated by quarterback Marc Wilson (6) and linebacker Matt Millen (55) after making a field goal during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, September 30, 1984, in Denver, Color.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncs at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, December 8, 1985, in Denver, Colo.
Los Angeles Raiders kicker Chris Bahr (10) kicks a game-winning 26-yard field goal in overtime of the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, December 8, 1985, in Denver, Colo.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, December 2, 1990, in Denver, Colo,
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) passes during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Sunday, November 10, 1991 in Denver, Colo.
Los Angeles Raiders center/guard/tackle Don Mosebar (72) waits to snap the ball to quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, Monday, October 18, 1993, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha (21) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 28, 2004, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 28, 2004, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) makes a 42-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 28, 2004, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Ray Buchanan (34) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 28, 2004, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 28, 2004, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive tackle Ed Jasper (95) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Saturday, December 24, 2005, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Jarrod Cooper (40) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Saturday, December 24, 2005, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) stiff arms the defender during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Saturday, December 24, 2005, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Saturday, December 24, 2005, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 15, 2006, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 15, 2006, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 15, 2006, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2007, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders linebacker Sam Williams (54) eyes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2007, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders quarterback Josh McCown (12) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2007, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2007, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) returns an interception for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2007, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha (21) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 23, 2008, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) breaks a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 23, 2008, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Ashley Lelie (87) makes a 4-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 23, 2008, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Thomas Howard (53) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 23, 2008, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 23, 2008, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive end Kalimba Edwards (58) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 23, 2008, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, December 20, 2009, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) stiff arms the defender during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, December 20, 2009, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive end Greg Ellis (99) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, December 20, 2009, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens (81) makes a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, December 20, 2009, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders tight end Nick Miller (89) heads to the end zone on a 43-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 24, 2010, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Chris Johnson (37) returns an interception for a 30-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 24, 2010, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 24, 2010, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) breaks a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 24, 2010, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Richard Seymour (92) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 24, 2010, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 12, 2011, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Matt Giordano (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 12, 2011, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) recovers a fumble during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 12, 2011, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 12, 2011, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) dives into the end zone on a 73-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 23, 2013, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson (24) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 23, 2013, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders linebacker Nick Roach (53) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 23, 2013, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) passes to running back Marcel Reece (45) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 23, 2013, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Monday, September 23, 2013, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back Chance Casey (37) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) blocks for running back Latavius Murray (28) during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a tackleduring the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders linebacker Ben Heeney (51) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 13, 2015, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) makes an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 13, 2015, in Denver, Colo.
The Raiders record a safety during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 13, 2015, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) makes a 16-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 13, 2015, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive back TJ Carrie (38) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field At Mile High, Sunday, December 13, 2015, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards (97) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Johnny Holton (16) heads to the end zone on a 64-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2018, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2018, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2018, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders safety Reggie Nelson (27), Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2018, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22), Oakland Raiders safety Marcus Gilchrist (31), Oakland Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Sunday, September 16, 2018, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, December 19, 2019, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes as center Rodney Hudson (61) and tackle Denzelle Good (71) block during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, December 19, 2019, in Denver, Colo.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, December 19, 2019, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) makes a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, January 3, 2021, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 28-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, January 3, 2021, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after making a catch for a 2-point conversion during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, January 3, 2021, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) blocks a field goal during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, January 3, 2021, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) goes for a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Denver, Colo,
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 20, 2022, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 20, 2022, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, November 20, 2022, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Denver, Colo.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Denver, Colo.
