If the Raiders are going to run the table, go 4-0 and grab a playoff spot, Derek Carr is going to have to shake off his worst outing of this season and have a big game against the Broncos Sunday.
Last week, Carr threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter as the Raiders lost to the Chiefs.
On Sunday, he leads the Raiders (5-7) into Denver to face the AFC West-leading Broncos (10-2). Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m.
Carr put the blame for the loss on his shoulders, but his head coach, Jack Del Rio, said he’s confident Carr can rebound.
"I think the sting of having that experience will stay with you," Del Rio said. "Some of the adulation, some of the high of how good it went like he’s done a couple of times, that stays with you. You learn from the good and bad experiences. The guy is super talented. He’s taken all the responsibility that he needs to. I completely believe in the young man and I’m confident that he’ll learn from that experience and be stronger going forward."
Last times the teams met, in early October, the Broncos held the Raiders to a season-low point total in a 16-10 Denver victory. Oddsmakers have made Denver a 6 ½-point favorite in the rematch as well.
Even if Carr is sharp, he’ll have a tough time cracking Denver’s No. 1 ranked defense, which hasn’t given up a 300-yard passing game this season and is also ranked No. 1 in pass defense.
