The Oakland Raiders still own the top spot in the AFC West going into week nine.

Derek Carr had an outstanding game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with over 500 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Carr set a Raiders single game record for passing yards in the victory.

The Raiders are rolling on offense with one of the best wide receiver combos in the NFL right now.

Carr has a bomb and is willing to drop it on opposing defenses. The Raiders are not afraid to stretch the field vertically and they have the players to do it.

However, the Denver Broncos are right behind the Raiders and pose an interesting threat to the Raiders with one of the best defenses in the league, something the Raiders have yet to face this season.

The combination of DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller will have the Raiders offensive line on high alert trying to protect their quarterback. On facing the Denver defense, Raiders offensive lineman Donald Penn said to ESPN staff writer Paul Gutierrez, “It’s a battle. I’m going to be up to it.”

If they want to win, the defense needs to be on top of all else. Last year Khalil Mack of the Raiders had a day with five sacks. When Gutierrez asked about a similar performance this year Mack said, “Different team. Different personnel. They’ve got some tackles in there, big (Russell) Okung in there, new quarterback, and so it’s going to be a new challenge. New focus. Getting ready for them.”

The Raiders need to disrupt the passing of Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian. If the Raiders find a way to beat the Broncos, their chances of winning the division look better and better.

Gutierrez said of the Raiders quarterback, “The road to winning the division goes through them. The road to the Super Bowl goes through them. They’re on top.”

The Broncos currently hold the crown having last won the Super Bowl. Everyone, including the Raiders, looks to dethrone them.

The Raiders are 6-2 with the best record since their Super Bowl appearance in 2002.