NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.
Rapper OG Maco Dead at 32Arcutis Biotherapeutics exec buys $7,766 in stock
Arcutis Biotherapeutics' SVP Masaru Matsuda acquires $18,542 in stock
Cook County tax commissioner Samantha Steele gets license back after DUI arrest
Share Tweet Share Share Email In an age where technology continues to redefine the boundaries of possibility, finance stands at the forefront of this revolution. Imagine a world where transactions are not only instantaneous but also transparent, secure, and devoid of intermediaries holding you back. Welcome to the era of smart contract platforms—a game-changing innovation that promises to streamline processes, enhance security, and unlock new levels of efficiency in financial transactions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how these futuristic technologies are transforming traditional finance landscapes and empowering businesses and individuals alike. Join us as we explore the myriad benefits of harnessing smart contracts in today’s digital marketplace—because when it comes to revolutionizing finance, the future is now! Introduction: Defining Smart Contract Platforms and Their Role in Finance In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, traditional systems are being challenged and transformed at an unprecedented pace. Enter smart contract platforms: digital agreements that automatically execute transactions when predetermined conditions are met. These innovative tools are revolutionizing the way we think about finance, offering a glimpse into a more efficient and transparent future. Imagine a world where complex financial processes can be simplified through automation, reducing the need for intermediaries while enhancing security and trust. This is not just a distant dream; it’s happening right now as businesses and consumers alike begin to harness the power of smart contracts. As we delve deeper into this exciting topic, you’ll discover how these platforms are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation while addressing age-old challenges in finance. Get ready to explore the incredible potential of smart contract platforms! The Potential Impact of Smart Contracts on the Financial Industry Smart contracts have the potential to revolutionize how transactions occur in finance. They eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and speeding up processes. This shift could lead to more efficient trading systems and streamlined settlements. With their inherent transparency, smart contracts can enhance trust among parties involved. Each transaction is recorded on a blockchain, creating an immutable history that stakeholders can verify independently. Moreover, automation reduces human error significantly. Routine tasks like compliance checks and payment processing can be handled seamlessly without manual intervention. Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms stand at the forefront of this transformation, allowing users unprecedented access to financial services without traditional bank constraints. Lastly, as regulatory frameworks adapt to accommodate these technologies, we could witness broader adoption across various sectors within finance. How Smart Contract Platforms Work: Understanding Automation and Transparency Smart contract platforms operate on blockchain technology, enabling self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code. This automation eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and processing times. When a predefined condition is met, the smart contract automatically triggers actions such as payments or data transfers. This level of automation ensures efficiency and minimizes human error. Transparency is another cornerstone of these platforms. All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, accessible to all parties involved. This visibility fosters trust among users since they can independently verify contract execution without relying on third-party validation. Moreover, once deployed, smart contracts cannot be altered easily. This immutability enhances security and accountability in financial dealings. The combination of automation and transparency creates an ecosystem where trust is built through technology rather than personal relationships alone. Real-Life Examples of Smart Contracts in Finance: Use Cases and Success Stories Smart contracts have made significant inroads into the financial sector, showcasing their potential through various applications. One prominent example is the use of smart contracts in trade finance. Companies can automate letter-of-credit processes, ensuring that funds are released only when preset conditions are met. This reduces fraud and speeds up transactions. Another exciting case involves insurance claims processing. Smart contracts can automatically trigger payouts based on verified data feeds, like weather reports for crop insurance. This efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also minimizes operational costs. In real estate, platforms are utilizing smart contracts to streamline property sales. Buyers and sellers engage directly without intermediaries, cutting down on fees while speeding up closing times. These scenarios illustrate just a few ways smart contract platforms are reshaping finance by enabling greater transparency and automation throughout various industries. The Benefits of Adopting Smart Contract Platforms for Businesses and Consumers Smart contract platforms offer a wave of benefits for both businesses and consumers. At their core, they enhance efficiency by automating processes. This reduces the need for intermediaries, cutting down costs and speeding up transactions. Transparency is another crucial advantage. Each transaction recorded on a blockchain is visible to all parties involved, fostering trust. Businesses can confidently engage with clients knowing that terms are immutable and accessible. Additionally, these platforms improve security significantly. Smart contracts use cryptographic techniques to protect sensitive information against tampering or fraud. For consumers, the user experience often improves as well. They enjoy quicker service delivery without unnecessary delays typically caused by manual checks or approvals. Moreover, smart contracts enable innovative business models such as decentralized finance (DeFi). This opens new avenues for investment opportunities and financial services tailored specifically to individual needs. Potential Challenges and Risks to Consider When Implementing Smart Contract Platforms While the advantages of smart contract platforms are compelling, there are challenges to address. One significant concern is security. Vulnerabilities in code can lead to exploitation and substantial financial losses. Another risk involves regulatory uncertainty. Governments worldwide are still figuring out how to classify and regulate these technologies. This lack of clarity can create hurdles for businesses looking to adopt them. Additionally, integration with existing systems poses a challenge. Organizations may face compatibility issues when merging traditional processes with blockchain technology. Finally, there’s the human factor. Misunderstanding smart contracts’ complexities can result in mistakes during deployment or execution, undermining potential benefits. Addressing these risks requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of both technology and legal frameworks involved in this evolving landscape. Leading Platforms in the Market: A Comparison and Analysis When exploring smart contract platforms, several key players stand out in the financial landscape. Ethereum is often regarded as a pioneer, offering robust functionality and a vast developer community. Its flexibility allows for complex contracts but can lead to scalability issues. Then there’s Binance Smart Chain (BSC), which gained traction due to its lower transaction fees and faster processing times. BSC blends ease of use with efficient performance, attracting both developers and businesses looking for cost-effective solutions. Cardano offers a more research-driven approach, focusing on sustainability and security through rigorous peer-reviewed protocols. This differentiates it from other platforms that prioritize speed over reliability. Solana has emerged as an exciting contender with lightning-fast transactions and high throughput capabilities. It caters primarily to applications requiring rapid data transfer without compromising security. Each platform presents unique advantages tailored for different business needs within finance, making careful evaluation essential before adoption. Steps to Incorporating Smart Contracts into Business Processes Incorporating smart contracts into business processes begins with identifying areas where automation can add value. Evaluate your current workflows and pinpoint repetitive tasks that could benefit from increased efficiency. Next, engage stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the potential of smart contracts. This awareness fosters collaboration and support throughout the implementation process. Choose a suitable platform that aligns with your organization’s needs. Research various options, considering factors like scalability, security, and user-friendliness. Then, start small by creating pilot projects. Test these smart contracts in controlled environments to assess their functionality before full-scale deployment. Training is vital for success; equip your team with the knowledge needed to manage these new systems effectively. Continuous evaluation will help you refine processes over time and adapt as technology evolves. By taking measured steps towards integration, businesses can fully harness the power of smart contract platforms for enhanced productivity and transparency. Future Outlook: Predictions for the Evolution of Smart Contract Platforms in Finance The landscape of finance is poised for transformation as smart contract platforms continue to evolve. As adoption increases, we can expect enhanced interoperability among different blockchain networks. This will allow seamless transactions and data sharing across platforms. Artificial intelligence integration could lead to even smarter contracts that adapt in real-time based on external conditions. Imagine a financial agreement automatically adjusting terms according to market fluctuations or regulatory changes. User experience will improve dramatically. Simplified interfaces and user-friendly applications may make it easier for businesses and consumers alike to engage with these technologies. Regulatory frameworks are also likely to catch up, providing clearer guidelines around the use of smart contracts. This clarity could boost confidence among enterprises considering implementation. As we look ahead, it’s evident that the synergy between technology and finance will create unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the industry. Embracing the Digital Transformation of Finance Through Smart Contracts The finance industry stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, driven by the innovative capabilities of smart contract platforms. These technologies are not just reshaping traditional processes; they are establishing a new paradigm characterized by enhanced automation and transparency. As businesses and consumers increasingly adopt these platforms, they unlock numerous benefits. From reducing costs associated with intermediaries to improving transaction speed and security, the advantages are compelling. Moreover, real-life success stories demonstrate their potential across various financial services. However, as with any technological advancement, it’s crucial to consider potential challenges and risks. Issues related to regulatory compliance or system vulnerabilities must be navigated carefully for successful implementation. With several leading platforms entering the market, companies have access to powerful tools designed to facilitate this transition seamlessly. By integrating smart contracts into business processes, organizations position themselves favorably in an evolving landscape. Looking ahead, predictions suggest that smart contract technology will continue its upward trajectory within finance—enhancing everything from everyday transactions to complex financial instruments. The path forward is clear: embracing this digital transformation can lead not only to greater efficiency but also create new opportunities for innovation in finance. The journey toward fully leveraging smart contract platforms is just beginning but promises exciting possibilities that could redefine how we think about money and trust in our economic systems. Conclusion Smart contract platforms have the potential to revolutionize the finance industry with their numerous benefits. From increased security and transparency to faster and more efficient transactions, these platforms offer a plethora of advantages for individuals and businesses alike. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies to consider adopting smart contract platforms in order to remain competitive in the ever-evolving financial landscape. With its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, embracing this innovative technology could lead to a more streamlined and secure future for all parties involved Related Items: automation , finance , Smart contract Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Maximize Your Budget: Top Trends in Digital Expense Management Solutions Navigating Trump’s Second Term: Why a Skilled Financial Planner Is Essential Islamic FinTech: Adapting Financial Technology to Sharia Compliance CommentsPep Guardiola: It’s my responsibility to solve Manchester City’s poor runUS News Today Live Updates on December 29, 2024 : Most anticipated movies of 2025: Avatar 3, Jurassic World, Back in Action, The Fantastic Four, Michael, and more
Last week, the UFC made its long-awaited return to China with UFC Macau , where Petr Yan turned in a vintage performance against Deiveson Figueiredo to reinsert himself into the bantamweight title conversation. Plus a whole bunch of other stuff happened including Conor McGregor being found civilly liable for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. Needless to say, it was a busy week so let’s discuss it, along with what’s coming up. Conor McGregor fallout Do you see a fallout from Conor's lawsuit with regards to broadcast deal? A video game company already dropped him. UFC doesn't care unless it affects their bottom line; but could it affect negotiations? Or will the deal be too attenuated from the case? “Do you see a fallout from Conor’s lawsuit with regards to broadcast deal? A video game company already dropped him. UFC doesn’t care unless it affects their bottom line; but could it affect negotiations? Or will the deal be too attenuated from the case?” Let’s start here: while McGregor was found civilly liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand, and ordered to pay roughly a quarter million dollars in damages, it’s important to remember this was not a criminal conviction. For the uninitiated, the difference between civil and criminal (other than punishment, obviously) is that civil convictions require “a balancing of probabilities” while criminal convictions require a jury to convict “beyond a reasonable doubt.” To simplify, basically civil judgments require a 51% of certainty, while criminal ones require 99.99% of certainty. That being said, convictions in the court of public opinion require far less than a civil jury, and while there will always be people who reflexively defend anything, my anecdotal reading of the McGregor fallout has thus far led me to believe that a majority of people are out on McGregor. That fallout is already being felt by McGregor who has sponsors and projects dropping him like a heavy weight . Even his own whiskey brand (technically not his since he sold ownership, but you know what I mean) Proper No. Twelve has distanced themselves from him . Because this is what happens when you are credibly accused of rape. Of course, the UFC might be one of the few major companies in the world where that isn’t necessarily a deal breaker. After all, McGregor wouldn’t be the first person accused of terrible crimes to still get fights in the UFC . Far from it . For years, UFC CEO Dana White has written off all sorts of behavior that wouldn’t fly in any other context with a waive of the hand, and “I’ve got 700 lunatics under contract.” Given that this is not a criminal conviction, it’s easy to imagine the promotion will brush this under the rug as best it can. And I suspect it’ll be quite successful at doing so. White himself faced no recourse for slapping his wife in public and that went away in a matter of weeks. The fanbase, by and large, does not care and I struggle to think any broadcaster will have huge concerns either. After all, ESPN (a Disney-owned company) had no qualms with running Greg Hardy out there, and he wasn’t even really a needle mover. No, the fallout from McGregor’s actions will land squarely on McGregor himself. Because while the UFC is unlikely to care, as we’ve seen, the rest of the world does. There are simply too many other people to do business with who don’t have something so terrible following them around. So I suspect McGregor will continue to get dropped by sponsors, and from business deals, and any plans there were for him to break into Hollywood are out the window. Who needs the headache of tying themselves to someone like that? In fact, in a weird and tragic twist of fate, this may actually be the thing to bring McGregor back to fighting. He certainly doesn’t need to as he’s still richer than cream, but with the world closing itself off to McGregor for the first time in years, and few other business opportunities available to him, this might be what pushes him back into the gym. In fact, he’s already hinting at just that . Because if there’s one thing that’s been proven time and again its that people can forgive damn near anything if you give them a reason to love you again. After all, Mike Tyson actually went to prison for rape and yet not even a month ago 60 million households tuned in to watch him fight again . Maybe McGregor can take a similar journey back into the good graces of the public. UFC Macau What do you thing Figgies next move should be? “What do you thing Deiveson Figueiredo’s next move should be?” Now on to some happier topics, namely the aftermath of UFC Macau. On Saturday, Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo put on one of the best fights of 2024. It won’t win Fight of the Year, and it probably won’t even crack the top-five, but it was the definition of elite MMA on every level. With the win, we all know where Yan should go next — a five-round rematch with Sean O’Malley — but what about Figgy Smalls? Figueiredo is about to turn 37, which means we probably don’t have that much longer left for the prime of his career. As such, we should not waste it. Figueiredo should exclusively fight in fun matchups, and the first one that jumps off the page to me is Jose Aldo . Both are coming off competitive losses (Aldo should’ve won, I’ll die on this hill) and both are former champions in a different division then they started in. When the UFC heads back to Brazil next years, book that for five rounds as the co-main event. Carlos Ulberg What next for Carlos Ulberg after win #7 in a row? “What next for Carlos Ulberg after win #7 in a row?” Ulberg beat Volkan Oezdemir in a professional yet uninspiring performance on the main card of UFC Macau. Now, he sits at No. 7 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings and with his big winning streak, looks poised for a title run. Given all that, there’s no wrong way to eat this Reese’s, really, but Ulberg vs. Khalil Rountree in a striking matchup seems fun and appropriate. Jon Jones How do you determine if Jon Jones is trying to get paid what he's worth to fight Tom Aspinall or if he's pricing himself out because he has no real intentions of fighting him, aka ducking? “How do you determine if Jon Jones is trying to get paid what he’s worth to fight Tom Aspinall or if he’s pricing himself out because he has no real intentions of fighting him, aka ducking?” Well, Jones will never get paid what he’s worth to fight Tom Aspinall because he fights in the UFC and they don’t do that. But setting that aside, the answer is that we will never know. Only Jon Jones knows what’s in his own heart and what his motivations are. So unless you’re Jones, we can only guess. And unless Jones comes out and says “I will only do it for $1 billion” then a guess is all we have. Unless, of course, the UFC does decide to spend the money needed to make the fight. If the UFC meets Jon’s demands and then he starts moving the goalposts, then that’s a clear indication he never wanted the action in the first place. But again, will we ever know that? Unlikely. So ultimately, you’ll just have to decide for yourself whether Jones asking for more money than he normally would (which is what he himself is saying he’s doing) is savvy negotiation or a tacit admission that he thinks he could lose to Aspinall and thus only will risk it if he’s paid a king’s ransom. I know where I stand, and honestly, I don’t blame him for the choice I believe he’s making even if I don’t necessarily like it. PFL Championships What are you looking forward to more, Thanksgiving or a gazillion hours of the 2024 PFL Championship? “What are you looking forward to more, Thanksgiving or a gazillion hours of the 2024 PFL Championship?” Why not both? PFL Championships and Thanksgiving is a tradition like the NBA and Christmas. OK, it’s not quite like that, but I’ll admit that I do enjoy the PFL Championships every year. Because even if you haven’t kept up with the season format or whatever, we’re still talking about meaningful fights. Six new millionaires will be created on Friday, and even if the fights are all terrible (they could be!), that’s still pretty damn cool. Having said that, I am once again begging the PFL to please hire me as a consultant, because doing one mega-card on Friday strains event the most optimistic of fans (like myself). There is simply no reason to hold all six tournament championships on the same card, and there is REALLY NO REASON WHATSOEVER to also have five more regional championship bouts on that same card. 10 fights that can possibly go 25 minutes is INSANE! Plus, for some reason known to only God and Donn Davis, the event also has 6 more fights scheduled! There are jurisdictions that would consider this a war crime. The very obvious, simple answer here is that the PFL Championships should be a two-day extravaganza! Half the tournament bouts on Friday and then the other half on Saturday. Take over the entire weekend, and deliver not just championship bouts, but fill in with as many other good fights as you can. Aside from it being good business, don’t you think fighters might like the chance to earn some money right before the holidays and the long break you have until the start of next season? This isn’t hard and I don’t know why they can’t see it. Bellator Thoughts on the Bellator lack of fights situation? “Thoughts on the Bellator lack of fights situation?” And along those lines, PFL has to get its shit together with Bellator. When nearly every one of the best fighters you acquired in buying out Bellator has spoken out publicly against you , you’re screwing the pooch. All the good will PFL had at the start of the year is gone, and I truly have no clue what the hell they are doing at this point. When PFL bought Bellator, my immediate thought was that this was a great move, because while PFL has a good broadcast deal and some things in its favor, what it didn’t have was a roster of talent. Acquiring Bellator greatly helped them on that front, but to seem them flounder and flub all these great fighters has been nothing short of a disaster. Not just because it sucks as a fan, but because it’s killing the PFL brand. When respected fighters shit on you en masse, that doesn’t make other fighters start lining up to join the promotion. It’s just terrible business that won’t just hurt them this year, but will very likely greatly impede the PFL’s ability to re-sign this talent when the time comes. It’s a completely unforced error. My best guess is that PFL couldn’t financially close up Bellator after acquiring it for some legal or financial reasons and instead had to keep it limping along to run out a clock. Frankly, it feels like that clock is near its end, and my guess is that by next year, Bellator will be folded completely under the PFL brand, at which point fighters may have an easier time getting booked, but the damage may already be done by then. I thought 2024 could be a transformative year for the PFL, and it’s looking like I might be right, just not in the way I imagined. Thanks for reading, and thank you for everyone who sent in tweets (Xs?)! Do you have any burning questions about things at least somewhat related to combat sports? Then you’re in luck, because you can send your tweets to me, @JedKMeshew , and I will answer my favorite ones! Doesn’t matter if they’re topical or insane, just so long as they are good. Thanks again, and see y’all next week.Taoiseach refuses to be drawn if Fine Gael claimed worker who confronted him had Sinn Féin allegianceLAS VEGAS (AP) — The Broncos are 0-4 in Las Vegas, but in a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions, Denver has more at stake than trying to end a series skid. A victory over the Raiders puts the Broncos that much closer to an unexpected playoff berth, playing with a rookie quarterback and just a year after they went 8-9. The Broncos are 6-5 and coming off a 38-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons , and would be in the playoff field if the season ended entering Week 12. Not bad for a team given a win total of 5 1/2 games at BetMGM Sportsbook. “Everyone understands the significance of where we are at this point in the season,” Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. The situation is quite different for the Raiders. They are 2-8, on a six-game losing streak and decimated by injuries. Las Vegas could enter this game without its top two running backs and a reshuffled line on offense, and defensively, the Raiders could have two linemen, three cornerbacks and a safety out of action. “Just been having some bad breaks, but nobody feels sorry for us,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. "Nobody feels sorry for me. You’ve got to roll out there with 11 players, and that’s what we’re going to do come Sunday.” The Raiders are badly in a need of a franchise quarterback and are in a logjam for the top pick in next year's NFL draft. Denver showed with this year's draft how valuable landing such a QB can be to an organization. Bo Nix was selected 12th — one spot ahead of the Raiders — and he is pushing for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was this week's top AFC player and rookie after completing 28 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in the rout of the Falcons. “I think as we’ve gone on, Coach (Sean Payton) and I have found a good rhythm of what we both like, what we can kind of put out there on the field and what we can execute," Nix said. "Then the guys have kind of adapted to it, found our roles within the offense and executed at a high level. It’s just all about slowing the game down and processing things in a manner that you can handle.” Raiders tight end Brock Bowers also could have a say in who wins the season's top offensive rookie award. He is second in the NFL with 70 catches and his 706 yards receiving is 10th among all receivers. His numbers from a historical perspective are even more impressive. Bowers, the 13th pick in this year's draft , is fourth all time among all tight ends in catches through the first 11 weeks and he and Jeremy Shockey in 2002 are the only rookies at that position to have more than one game with at least 10 receptions. “This week's a brand new week,” Bowers said. “I've always got something to prove.” Payton still isn't entirely comfortable splitting carries between running backs Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime. Asked how he determines the right balance in his rotation, Payton said, “That's the $6 million question. It’s difficult. We know kind of what we have with those three players. I think it’s always hard to feed three. "I'm used to — and it’s easy — to feed two. So we kind of do that a little bit. I thought Javonte had some really good runs (last week). Certainly the game ends and we’re like, ‘Gosh, we have to get Jaleel more touches.’ So it’s a tough, but a good problem to have.” With injuries to running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps), 10-year veteran Ameer Abdullah could get the start for the Raiders this weekend. He has just 17 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown this season and started just one game his previous six seasons. “I see myself as a starter,” Abdullah said. “I think every guy in the room does. I consider myself the best back on this team just like every back does. This is my opportunity to go out there and put my best foot forward.” Patrick Surtain II had a pair of interceptions, including one he returned for 100 yards and a touchdown, in the team's first meeting this season and that fueled the Broncos' 34-18 win in Denver . Both of the passes were intended for Bowers, who caught a 57-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Surtain isn't expecting the Raiders to avoid him Sunday, however. “You don't want to go into a game thinking they're not gonna throw it your way,” Surtain said, “because it's the pros at the end of the day, everybody's ready, everybody's capable.” AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton in Englewood, Colorado, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl