HEADLINES

Raiders at home shaping up to be a must-win game for Broncos

Sep 14, 2018, 10:20 AM

As the Denver Broncos (1-0) welcome in the Oakland Raiders (0-1) on Sunday, some within the 104.3 The Fan studios see the matchup as not only another chapter in the storied rivalry but a “must-win” for Denver.

On Friday, “Schlereth and Evans” host Mark Schlereth said it’s imperative that the Broncos “handle (their) business” against teams not as good as them and that have “issues.”

“The Raiders want to feel sorry for themselves. Trust me. They want to. So, my thought process is give them a reason to feel sorry for themselves,” Schlereth said. “Go out and thunder punch them in the lips right off the bat, and give them a reason to feel sorry for themselves. Give them a reason to tuck their tails.”

Schlereth’s comments echo those of Sandy Clough, who said on Thursday night that the Raiders game is one “you circle as a virtual certain before the season begins.”

“This is one of those games, certainly among all the home games, that you absolutely have to have,” Clough said.

On Thursday, Schlereth’s co-host Mike Evans said the Broncos need to move on from the “good vibes” of a win over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday and topple a vulnerable Raiders squad.

“This game is every bit a must-win as last Sunday’s was. You have to start off 2-0. You have to,” Evans said. “With two games at home, especially against an Oakland opponent right now that is wobbly at best and is vulnerable to say the least, you’ve got to take advantage of it.”

And for those who say Sunday’s game isn’t a “must-win” for the Broncos, Schlereth said, “Go ahead and lose this game and let me see how you feel on Monday as a fan. You tell me you didn’t let one slip away.”

“Lose this game and don’t make the playoffs. You’ll be pointing back to Week 2,” Schlereth said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.

Headlines

John Franklin-Myers...

Andrew Mason

Broncos pick up veteran defensive end in draft-day trade

Still in need of defensive-line help, the Broncos sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Jets for defensive end John Franklin-Myers.

1 hour ago

Audric Estime...

James Merilatt

Broncos add a running back with a nose for the end zone at No. 147

Looking to bolster their backfield, Denver drafted a player who set the single-season record for rushing touchdowns at Notre Dame in 2023

2 hours ago

Kris Abrams-Draine...

James Merilatt

Broncos add depth at cornerback with their first pick in the fifth round

Looking to provide competition opposite of Patrick Surtain, the Broncos selected an All-SEC cornerback with the No. 145 overall pick

2 hours ago

Troy Franklin...

Andrew Mason

When Bo Nix worked out, Troy Franklin was there

Troy Franklin was one of the receivers catching passes from Bo Nix at his Broncos workout, and he felt he made an impression.

3 hours ago

Troy Franklin...

James Merilatt

Broncos trade up to land Bo Nix’s favorite target at Oregon

Denver made a move with Seattle, swapping three picks for two, in order to move up and land their rookie quarterback's college teammate

4 hours ago

NFL Draft Day 3...

Andrew Mason

The key word for Broncos on Day 3 of the NFL Draft: ‘Flexibility’

As the NFL Draft hits Day 3, the Broncos have six picks -- including three in the fifth round -- and they have options.

12 hours ago

Raiders at home shaping up to be a must-win game for Broncos