The Las Vegas Raiders are set to face off against the Denver Broncos in an AFC West Division matchup on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Both teams enter the game with a 2-2 record. The Raiders secured a narrow 20-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns last week, while the Broncos captured a gritty 10-9 win against the New York Jets. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 pm EST.
Raiders Rally Without Stars
The Las Vegas Raiders showcased resilience last Sunday, overcoming an early 10-0 deficit to defeat the Cleveland Browns, 20-16. Despite being without key players like wide receiver Davante Adams and edge rusher Maxx Crosby due to injuries, the Raiders managed to score 20 unanswered points in the second and third quarters. Their defense stepped up when it mattered, sacking Browns quarterback DeShawn Watson to halt a late-game drive.
Head coach Antonio Pierce emphasized the importance of character during difficult times. “Character comes out through adversity. We’re humble and understand that details matter. This game was a wake-up call, and how we respond is crucial,” he said.
Running back Alexander Mattison led the Raiders’ offense with 60 rushing yards, contributing to a total of 152 yards on the ground. Quarterback Gardner Minshew, facing criticism recently, completed 14 of 24 passes for 130 yards. The Raiders’ defense was impressive, limiting the Browns to 241 total yards and forcing them to convert only 3 of 10 on third downs. Tre’von Moering added an interception to the mix, showcasing the depth of the Raiders’ defensive unit.
The Raiders head to Denver with a chance to improve to 3-2. However, they will likely play without both Adams and Crosby once more. Currently, they rank 25th in total offense and have struggled to establish a consistent run game, sitting at 29th in rushing. Despite these challenges, they are 7th in converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns. On defense, they rank 22nd overall, struggling particularly against the run, where they sit at 30th.
Key Injuries: Safety Trey Taylor and wide receiver Davante Adams are out. Running back Zamir White, linebacker Luke Masterson, offensive tackle Kolton Miller, and defensive end Maxx Crosby are questionable.
Broncos Find Momentum
The Denver Broncos entered their game against the Jets as underdogs but emerged victorious with a tight 10-9 win in challenging weather conditions. Trailing 6-0 at halftime, the Broncos scored a touchdown in the third quarter and clinched the victory with a late field goal from Will Lutz. This marks their second consecutive win, giving them a 2-2 record as they return home.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix noted the importance of running plays in adverse weather. “These weather games usually lead to running the football, and that worked in our favor,” he stated. Nix completed 12 of 25 passes for 60 yards, including his first NFL touchdown to wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
Defensively, the Broncos excelled, holding the Jets to just 248 total yards and limiting them to 3 of 14 on third downs. The defense was relentless, sacking veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers five times, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
As the Broncos prepare for this divisional clash, they rank 27th in total offense, struggling particularly in the passing game, where they sit at 29th. However, their defense is a standout, ranking second in the league and excelling in red zone defense, where they are second overall.
Key Injuries: Linebackers Alex Singleton and Baron Browning, along with offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, are out. Running back Tyler Badie and safety JL Skinner are questionable.
Best Bets for Raiders vs. Broncos
The Broncos have established a winning strategy with rookie quarterback Nix leading the charge in recent games. By capitalizing on their strong defense and maintaining possession of the football, they have managed to score points effectively. The Raiders, on the other hand, have faced offensive struggles, especially with the absence of star wide receiver Adams, who is dealing with a hamstring issue and has also expressed his desire for a trade. This situation may open the door for the Broncos’ All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II to match up against other key receivers, such as Jakobi Myers or tight end Brock Bowers.
The Broncos are likely to exploit the Raiders’ weaknesses, particularly their 30th-ranked rushing defense. With Nix and running back Javonte Williams leading the ground attack, the Broncos will look to soften the Raiders’ defense and create opportunities for easy passes. While a blowout may not be on the table, the Broncos are expected to control the game, convert red zone opportunities, and capitalize on any mistakes made by the Raiders, who rank 28th in turnover margin.
Take Denver -1.5
