Five Key Matchups: Raiders vs. Broncos

Didn't think Marshawn Lynch was going to make an impact in his return to his hometown Oakland Raiders? His first few games of the season have nullified that point. When he hasn't been dancing on the sideline during blowout wins, Lynch has carried the ball to the tune of 3.9 yards per carry. He added his first touchdown of the season during a Week 2 win over the Jets, and he has provided a bruising presence that brings physicality to an already explosive Raiders offense. Brandon Marshall and the Broncos' defense, who have held teams to a league-low 2.6 yards per carry, will do their best to slow down the 31-year-old running back. Marshall tallied 19 tackles in the first three weeks of the season and will need to help get Lynch down after initial contact. That's easier said than done, but if Marshall and the Broncos can contain Lynch's yards after contact, they'll set themselves up well. Lynch is just one piece of this dangerous unit, but if Marshall and the Broncos can slow Lynch down, they'll be better poised to deal with the rest of the group. Take Lynch — and the boost he gives the rest of his teammates — out of the game, and the Broncos should be far better equipped to take down the Raiders and take an early lead in the division race. If Lynch gets going, though, it could be a long day in the Mile High City.

Outside linebacker Von Miller reached Derek Carr once in the Broncos' lone meeting against the Raiders' franchise quarterback last season, but that wasn't enough. Carr, who missed the last game of the season with a broken fibula, was limited against the Broncos in Oakland last November, but the Raiders were still able to earn a 30-20 win. If Miller can take down Carr in a timely spot or rip the ball out during this meeting, the Broncos' chances of winning will greatly improve. During Carr's media availability this week, he spoke to Miller's ability to change a game. "Man, he's an amazing player," Carr said.

After turning the ball over twice in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Trevor Siemian knows how important it will be against the Raiders to stay away from costly interceptions. "It's a billion-dollar football back there," Siemian said Wednesday. "For us to win, we have to take care of the ball. We're going to be in the game every week if we're about even in the turnover ratio." Against the Bills, both starting cornerbacks picked Siemian off. Though talented young Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley has been limited in practice this week, David Amerson will be available. Amerson gave up a 52-yard touchdown in Monday's game against Washington, but he'll look to bounce back against the Broncos. Can Siemian find windows against him, or will Amerson make Siemian pay again? The answer could decide Sunday's game.

Aqib Talib made headlines last season for his battle with a different Oakland Raiders wide receiver, but his and Chris Harris Jr.'s matchup with Amari Cooper will be the one to watch Sunday. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound wide receiver has plenty of talent and earned his second Pro Bowl appearance in 2016. And he'll certainly be motivated this week — against Washington he mustered just one catch for 6 yards. But even at the age of 31, Talib hasn't slipped at all. He returned an interception 103 yards for a touchdown against the Cowboys and continues to be among the best in the league at his position. If he and Harris shut down Cooper and Michael Crabtree, the Broncos will be in great shape to pull out a win at home.

Menelik Watson and Garett Bolles have dealt with some tough edge rushers over the first three weeks of the season, but none will compare with Oakland's Khalil Mack. The two-time First-Team All-Pro and 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a game-wrecking talent, and he'll be tough for Watson and Bolles to stop. As Trevor Siemian said this week, it's nearly impossible to completely neutralize Mack, but they'll do their best to contain him. Though he only has two sacks in 2017, he's capable of ruining a game in the blink of an eye. Just look back a couple years, when he piled up five sacks against the Broncos.