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Oakland Raiders: 5 Key matchups vs. Broncos in Week 4

By Nick Sparrow

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 1: Defensive end Khalil Mack (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 1: Defensive end Khalil Mack (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 hands off to running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 hands off to running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Marshawn Lynch vs. Adam Gotsis

While Adam Gotsis’ name may not be well-known across the NFL, he is an incredibly important piece in the Broncos run defense. The Broncos currently rank first in the league in both rushing yards allowed per game and per attempt. Denver has only allowed just over 30 rushing yards more than both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins, who have each played one less game than Denver.

In their first three games of the season, Denver has faced running backs Ezekiel Elliott, LeSean McCoy, and Melvin Gordon, who all ranked within the top eight in rushing yards per game last season. Despite the difficulty of their schedule, Denver is only allowing 59.7 rushing yards per game.

Next: NFL 2017: One burning question for each team, Week 4

Marshawn Lynch has had a slow start to the season, with only 139 rushing yards across three games. Lynch’s low yardage is more to do with lack of carries than ineffective running, as he is still averaging over four yards per carry. If Lynch is hoping to have his breakout game in Week 4, it will be incredibly difficult against this stout Denver defense. In Week 3, Oakland’s run game struggled. Lynch ended up leading the team in rushing with only 18 yards.

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