FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEKLY FEATURES

OAK (4-6) vs DEN (7-3)

Game Prediction: OAK 3, DEN 34

This is a rematch of week six when the Broncos went to Oakland and just squeaked past with a 31-3 win. Now that it is back in Denver, the Raiders may have a harder time remaining as competitive this time.

This is the Sunday night game.

Update: Wheatley was held out of practice to rest his foot but is currently likley to play. I am slightly lowering his numbers and he was not projected to do much anyway.

Pre-Game Notes - OAK

The Raiders are losing games by a much closer margin lately, but they are still losing them and it may be just because opponents are not worrying about preparing as much.

Running Backs: Tyrone Wheatley has been more of a spark since returning three games back and has three touchdowns but has topped out at 54 rushing yards because he is not allowed enough carries for this power back to get into gear. Back in week six, Wheatley was out injured and Amos Zereoue was the starter but only posted 34 yards on 15 carries against the visiting Broncos.

Wide Receivers: The Raiders continue to mix and match different wideouts each game and the only player with any consistency is Ronald Curry who performs well for two game stretches before disappearing for a few games (and he just had his second straight good game). Porter, Alvis Whitted and Doug Gabriel all have only one touchdown on the season and Curry has three including one last week against the Chargers.

Tight Ends: After being dropped on the depth chart during the summer in spite of a promising 2003 season, Teyo Johnson finally played last week and caught a touchdown on his only pass.

Match Against the Defense: This will likely be ugly once again. Sure, the Broncos can beat them but if there is one team that they would love to humiliate to the delight of their hometown fans, that team wears silver and black.

There's no reason not to expect a replay of week six. The Raiders are no healthier other than Wheatley and the Broncos have to win to stay even with San Diego. This is a week to bench all the Raiders in case you are actually ever starting them.

Pre-Game Notes - DEN

Denver has coasted to two easy wins over the Texans and Saints recently and the only factor that could get in the way of this being a blowout is if they look past this week to the game looming in San Diego in week 13. This is a national game on Sunday night - a wonderful stage for Shanahan to show his love for Al Davis.

Running Backs: Reuben Droughns had 176 yards and one score against the Raiders in week six and he only has two scores on the year. Big game. Again.

Wide Receivers: The problem with playing the Raiders has been that rushing has been so easy that pass yardage has been low. In week six, none of the wideouts had more than 45 yards and only Ashley Lelie had a touchdown. This will likely be a similar week though any of the wideouts could score.

Tight Ends: In their last meeting, both Jeb Putzier and Dwayne Carswell scored and only Putzier has scored since that game. There is little yardage here but a great chance for yet another touchdown.,

Match Against the Defense: Well, it all worked the last time and with the Chargers looming on the schedule, it's safe to assume that Denver will love to run up the score but not require too many plays in order to do that. Look for ample rushing for Droughns who should have another monster game because the Broncos can move the ball and eat up the clock that way.

Plummer should be a lock for at least two scores since the Denver scheme loves to throw endzone passes and he has an obvious upside for three as well. This is a replay of week six in more comfortable settings and with a shorter drive home for Denver.