Roster vs Roster: Raiders offense out stacks the Broncos offense

We’ve already taken a look at the Oakland Raiders roster as it compares to the Los Angeles Chargers on both offense and on defense. Now, it’s time to move on to another AFC West foe: The Denver Broncos. It wasn’t long ago that the Broncos were the cream of the crop in the AFC West but now they find themselves trying to catch up to Oakland and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Quarterbacks: Raiders

This one is easy. The Broncos are still trying to find their replacement for Peyton Manning and the guys they have right now, Trevor Simien and Paxton Lynch simply aren’t impressive. They can do fine as game managers (at times) but they aren’t the kind of player that can lead a team to a win. If you’re winning with those guys, it’s because your defense and run game are both outstanding. Meanwhile, as we all know, the Raiders boast an MVP hopeful at quarterback so there really isn’t anything else to discuss here.

Running Backs: Raiders

Ok, so this one might be closer to a push than an outright win for Oakland because let’s be honest. While I hope and believe Marshawn Lynch will be a huge upgrade for this team, the Broncos hope and believe the same about Jamaal Charles. And if Charles is able to return to his old form then he’s a GREAT running back and this would likely be closer to a tie. Unless Charles is able to return to form and Lynch isn’t, in which case this one goes to Denver. But as it is now, with questions about Lynch and Charles, I will take the duo of Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington over C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker.

Wide Receivers: PUSH

When you look at the top two receivers on both teams, it’s pretty similar. Both the duo of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree as well as the duo of Demayrius Thomas and Emanual Sanders combined for very similar yardage totals (just over 2,000 combined yards for each duo last season) and the Raiders duo only scored three more touchdowns than the Denver duo. And similarly, with both teams once you get away from your top two, you have a big time drop off. The number three receiver on the Broncos had just over 200 yards last season while Seth Roberts, the number three on the Raiders had just over 300 yards. The Raiders technically had better stats but not by a whole lot and with a much better quarterback throwing them the ball. So for me, this one is a push.

Tight Ends: Raiders

Clive Walford wasn’t very impressive last season. So much so that the Raiders went out and tried to sign Martellus Bennett before actually signing Jared Cook. But despite the disappointment in Walford from the Raiders, he still put up over 100 more yards an two more touchdowns than the top statistical tight end on the Denver Broncos, Virgil Green. The Raiders already had the better TE group last season, especially when you include Lee Smith. Now with Cook on the roster, it’s not even close.

Offensive Line: Raiders

One of the main focusses of the Denver Broncos this offseason has been trying to upgrade their offensive line. Former Raiders offensive tackle Meneli Watson join the Broncos which as they will find out, isn’t much of an upgrade when he can’t stay healthy. But either way, even with a healthy Menelik, the Denver line doesn’t come close to touching the Raiders line. But that’s nothing to be ashamed of or surprised by, there are very few offensive lines in the NFL even worth discussing in the same breath as the Raiders.