The Oakland Raiders return from their bye this week with a home game against the Denver Broncos. The Raiders won the first meeting between these two teams in Week One with a 23-20 road victory, and Oakland is favored by seven points in this contest.
The Raiders face uncertainty on offense, with new quarterback Carson Palmer expected to make his first start and starting running back Darren McFadden dealing with an injury. The oddmakers seem to think that the Raiders will play better in this game than in their 28-0 shutout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week Seven, when Palmer threw three interceptions after entering at halftime and McFadden left the game early.
The Broncos are coming off of a brutal 45-10 demolition at the hands of the Detroit Lions. The Lions defense knocked quarterback Tim Tebow around all game and accounted for two defensive touchdowns off of Tebow fumbles.
Given the uncertainty facing the Raiders and the terrible play of the Broncos last week, the one-touchdown line seems about appropriate. Oakland has the upper hand in this game and deserves to be favored, but the question marks surrounding Palmer and McFadden keep the line from reaching double-digits. If the Raiders offense can keep from turning the ball over, Oakland should cover the spread and move to 5-3 on the season.