The Raiders and Broncos have met eight times on opening weekend of the NFL season.

The Broncos hold a 5-3 record overall. Scoring a total of 148 points, while allowing 164 points. For an average result of 18.5 to 20.5.

The Raiders hold a 2-1 record in home games. Scoring a total of 79 points, while allowing 50 points. For an average result of 26.33 to 16.67.

The last game played by the two on opening weekend was in 2011 in Denver, the result was 23-20 win for the Raiders. Jason Campbell was the quarterback for the Raiders that day, completing 13 of 22 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. He added two more yards on 6 carries, including the game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Darren McFadden rushed for 150 yards on 22 carries.

12th September, 2011	Oakland Raiders 23, Denver Broncos 20
8th September, 2008	Denver Broncos 41, Oakland Raiders 14
6th September, 1992	Los Angeles Raiders 13, Denver Broncos 17
9th September, 1990	Denver Broncos 9, Los Angeles Raiders 14
7th September, 1986	Los Angeles Raiders 36, Denver Broncos 38
6th September, 1981	Oakland Raiders 7, Denver Broncos 9
3rd September, 1978	Oakland Raiders 6, Denver Broncos 14
10th September, 1967	Denver Broncos 0, Oakland Raiders 51

Overall Rivalry Info

	%	W	L	T	PF	PA
Regular	0.547	63	52	2	2489	2394
Playoffs	0.500	1	1		59	44
Preseason	0.636	7	4		316	237

Alex Barrett (DE)

Pass Rusher who was waived with an injury. Combined for five tackles in two preseason games for the Raiders. He played two regular season games for the Detroit Lions in 2017 prior to joining the Raiders.

Mack Brown (RB)

Ran well in the preseason (161 yards on 39 carries and 1 TD plus 3 receptions for 16 yards) but was never in contention for a roster spot. Spent 2016 and the start of 2017 with the Redskins then was picked up by the Vikings. Has appeared in 13 regular season games total for his career so far.

Bryson Allen-Williams (LB)

Signed last week and was never likely to make the roster. He did get to play in the final preseason game against the Seahawks, so has some NFL game film to show for his time with the Raiders.

Brandon Barnes (TE)

Mid camp addition to the Raiders to add depth but never had a chance to make the final roster.

James Cowser (DE/LB)

Three year run with the Raiders is over for the edge rusher and special teams player (22 games, 32 tackles over that time period). Likely to end up on another team’s roster as a quality special teams player.

Joshua Holsey (CB)

Hosley struggled in the preseason play (he recorded 1 tackle and 1 pass defended in 3 games) and was cut. Had been with the Redskins for the last two years, recording 2 tackles in 13 games for them).

Makinton Dorleant (DB)

This cornerback/safety was waived with an injury.

Cameron Hunt (OL)

Camp fodder, signed because the Raiders needed an extra center while Jordan Devey worked on playing the guard position.

Jordan Richards (FS)

Richards, a three year player for the Patriots who spent last year with the Falcons, couldn’t work his way up the depth chart and consequently has been cut.

Eddie Vanderdoes (DT)

Third round draft pick from the poor 2017 draft that couldn’t get healthy. The Gruden regime have decided its time to move on.

Luke Wilson (TE)

Veteran TE ( five seasons with the Seahawks and last year with the Lions) was cut in a move that was expected after he saw playing time while the starters and key backups sat. Wilson has 102 career receptions for 1216 yards and 11 touchdowns for his career.

Gabe Wright (DT)

A training camp injury slowed his progress and limited the time he had to work himself into a roster spot. The Raiders signed him late last year and saw some playing time. Wright has spent time with the Lions, Browns, Eagles and Dolphins since being draft in the fourth round in 2015.

Justin Ellis (DT)

The Raiders moved Ellis to injured Reserve, ending his season before it began. Could this be the end of Ellis as a Raider?

Anthony Rush (DT)

Rush, should he get through waivers, is likely headed to the practice squad.

Marcell Atemann (WR)

Atemann is an NFL caliber receiver and is likely to find a home on another team’s roster. With the Raiders, he got lost in the depth of talent added this season in the form of Brown, Williams and Renfrow plus the need to keep Dwayne Harris for special teams.

Keon Hatcher (WR)

A second straight year with him showcasing his talent during the exhibition season but a crowded depth chart meant the hill was to high to climb this year.

Keelan Doss (WR)

One of the darlings of this season’s “Hard Knocks”, and leader during the exhibition season with 17 receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown. All while he learnt the position. His not playing special teams is likely what earnt his cut.

Jason Cabinda (LB)

Solid practice squad performer last year that garnered him a promotion to the 53 man squad late in the season.

Quinton Bell (DE)

Converted WR, he showed some promised but way to raw for the 53 man roster. Maybe the conversion continues on the practice squad?

Te’von Coney (LB)

Notre Dame product signed as an undrafted free agent, he never showed enough to be a threat to make the initial 53 man squad.

Lester Cotton Sr (G)

Played every snap in the final exhibition game against the Seahawks. Another prospect for the Practice Squad?

Koa Farmer (LB)

He best hope is landing on someone’s practice squad to continue his development.

Rico Gafford (WR)

Played quarterback on the scout team and defensive back. At WR, his highlight was the 53 yard touchdown thrown by Mike Glennon.

Denver Kirkland (G)

At one point was considered the likely candidate to start when Gabe Jackson was injured, now he’s been cut.

Dylan Mabin (CB)

In years passed, he might have made the roster but not this year.

Justin Murray (T)

Didn’t show enough to win the swing tackle spot.

Nick Nelson (CB)

2018 4th round draft pick that struggled in camp and on game day.

De’Mornay Pierson-El

Kick return workhorse. Has enough tape that he’ll likely get a look by some team.

Tyler Roemer (T)

Showed aggression and a mean streak as an undrafted rookie but isn’t ready for primetime.

Keith Smith (FB)

Missed the start of camp after having minor knee surgery. Looks like undrafted free agent Alec Ingold made the most of that chance that represented.

Ethan Westbrooks (DT)

Too much depth at the position for Ethan to crack a roster spot. He did have a sack against the Seahawks as a highlight for his game film as he seeks new employment.

Kyle Wilber (LB)\

The special teams captain from a year ago. Makes this a surprise cut.

Paul Butler (TE)

Butler will rehab an unknown injury then revert to the Raiders’ injured reserve.

Marshall helped the rival Denver Broncos win Superbowl 50 but after playing in just 11 games with 7 starts in 2018 due to a knee injury, they declined to take up an option on his contract.

The Raiders signed him to a one year contract, expecting him to win a starting role on the team and provide veteran leadership.

The move clears $1 million in cap space for the Raiders.

The Raiders have come to an agreement that will see them remain in Oakland for one final season before they relocate to Las Vegas for the 2020 season.

In what might be the final home game in Oakland for the Raiders, they beat the division rival Denver Broncos in convincing style. The win highlighted the progress made by the team during the season and the problems that still exist.

Once more the game featured a lack of pass rush from the Raiders defence but creative blitzes got dialed up by the DC to help cover that. Keeping Casey Keenum out of sorts for most of the game.

Derek Carr’s progress in the offensive system was showcased with the him now having thrown over three hundred and thirty passes without an interception. While, finding targets in the short and medium passing game that allowed the Raiders to carve up the weak heart of the Broncos’ defence. For a seventeen to nothing lead at the half and twenty seven to fourteen final score.

Doug Martin’s 107 yards rushing for a touchdown highlighted his worth to this team. That adding to his performances since Lynch went down probably have earned him another contract with the Raiders. The same can be said for Tight End Jared Cook, who has been Carr’s favorite target this season.

For the second time in the Raiders history, no players were voted to the Pro Bowl. 2003 being the first time.

Tight End Jared Cook’s season certainly earned him consideration, as did center Rodney Hudson’s performance this season. But they got snubbed by voters.

The pair however did make alternates list for the AFC squad along with left guard Kelechi Osemele.

Well not really. Mistakes, turnovers and penalties downed the Raiders. The Bengals exploited the inexperience on the Raiders offensive line. On top of it all, the week was fraught with distractions for the team with the firing of GM Reggie McKenzie and the lawsuit brought for the city of Oakland.

Ultimately, this is a game to forget and move on to the next one.

The Raiders attempted for years to remain in Oakland and the city showed no real interest in keeping them. Now it’s a forgone conclusion they are leaving, they sue?

My guess, this ends the chance of the Raiders ever returning to the Bay Area again.

The Raiders released the following statement:

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Raiders have released Reggie McKenzie from his duties as General Manager.  We are grateful for everything Reggie has done for this organization as a player, executive and member of the Raider family.  We wish the best for Reggie, June and the entire McKenzie family.  

The Raiders will immediately begin a search for a new front office executive and will have no further comment until that process is complete.

McKenzie’s run saw a wealth of talent brought to Oakland but consistent winning always alluded him.

He oversaw a modernization of the organization. From facilities to scouting. Which is likely why he found the talent he did.

However, his initial and possibly choice only for head coach in Dennis Allen proved an awful choice. Rumour had it that Mark Davis had a hand in his replacement – Jack Del Rio – and was certainly behind bringing Gruden back to Oakland.

I wish Reggie good luck for the future and hope our next GM can pull everything together.