Broncos- Raiders

Where: McAfee Coliseum; Oakland, CA
Kickoff: 10:15 pm
TV: ESPN
Weather Report: Clear, 70 degrees
Line: Broncos by 3
Bronco Notes: Brandon Marshall will miss the game for violating the NFL conduct policy, rookie Eddie Royal will start in his place. None of the Broncos current offensive line were starters last season. This will be the first regular season game Jay Cutler plays in since being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Mike Shanahan is 20-6 against the Raiders, who he coached from 1988-89.
Raider Notes: Jamarcus Russell will be starting in only his second game. Darren McFadden makes his NFL debut, and will split carries with Justin Fargas. Former Bronco Ashley Lelie signed with the Raiders this week and is expected to play tonight, while Javon Walker may miss the game due to a sore hamstring. The Raiders won the last time these two teams matched up, 34-20.

Here are 5 reasons the Raiders will beat the Denver Donkeys:

Disclaimer: This is not cockiness, this a Raider fan trying to be optimistic after 5 seasons in the division dungeon.

1. As previously noted, Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall is suspended for the opening game. The starters will be Darrell Jackson, the veteran who the 49ers didn't even want, and Eddie Royal, a speedy rookie. But the Raiders have one of (if not) the best corner combo in the league with Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall. With those two, the Raiders should be able to keep the Denver receivers under control.
2. The Raiders should have swept the Broncos last year. Only Shanahan’s time out prevented an Oakland win in Denver when Seabass clanked one off the upright. And both those games were played with Josh McCown at QB.
3. Darren McFadden. He changes everything about an offense, including how teams will defend the Raiders. He will create mismatches even when it is someone else getting the ball.
4. Zach Miller is going to be open often. Bronco safety Marquand Manuel is regarded as a big hitter with issues in coverage. Thats perfect for a big tight-end with speed who seems to easily find the open areas on the field. Plus he is already Jamarcus' favorite target and tonight he will act as his security blanket.
5. Jason Elam is playing for the Falcons. Everytime he stepped up to a big kick, Elam seemed to be able to pull the hearts out of the Raiders chests and stomp on them. I don't think Matt Prater is quite there yet.