How Denver compares to Las Vegas and predictions

Raiders (2-2) vs. Broncos (2-2)

When: Sunday, 2:05 p.m. MT

Where: Empower Field at Mile High

Radio/TV: 850AM, 94.1FM/FOX

line: Broncos -3.0

Broncos-Raiders series: Denver has a 53-72-2 record in 127 regular-season games since 1960; The Broncos lost 27-14 in their last meeting on January 7, 2024 in Las Vegas and have lost eight straight games to their division opponent.

Spotlight: Raiders TE Brock Bowers has the potential to give the Broncos a “headache.”

The sacrifice Denver makes in drafting its franchise quarterback: missing out on potential generational talent.

With the 12th overall pick in April’s draft, the Broncos were in position to take on Georgia’s star tight end Brock Bowers – one of the highest-rated players in the class and someone who could fill Denver’s need for a dynamic pass-catcher.

However, the Broncos decided to target the most important position on the roster and take Bo Nix. The downside was that Bowers fell to the Raiders with the next pick, meaning Denver will have to play him twice a year for the foreseeable future, starting Sunday afternoon.

“He’s definitely someone who can give you a headache,” head coach Sean Payton said.

Payton said the team “liked” Bowers “a lot” during the pre-draft process. The former Saints coach recalled catching glimpses of Bowers whenever he visited Georgia to give lectures and stop by the Bulldogs’ practices.

As a Bulldog, Bowers was a star. A two-time John Mackey Award winner, Bowers recorded 2,538 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons in Athens. Bowers was used all over the field. In 2022, he rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown run against Kent State.

“He’s one of those ‘wild card’ tight ends who can move in space. “You can see and feel his football IQ when you watch him play,” Payton said. “There aren’t a lot of players from Napa, California. I remember at the Combine interview I was just surprised.”

Bowers has already made an impression in Las Vegas. He has a team-best 216 yards on 20 catches and an average of 10.8 yards per reception. His best game came against the Ravens when he caught nine passes for 98 yards.

When running routes, Bowers averaged five yards receiving, according to Next Gen Stats.

Denver safety PJ Locke called him “a big dog tight end.” While playing under former Broncos coach Vic Fangio, that was the term the defense gave to players like the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, the Ravens’ Mark Andrews and former Raider Darren Waller.

“You always have to keep an eye on him,” Locke told the Denver Post. “He’s a great player.”

With Raiders star Davante Adams (hamstring) not expected to play, players expect Bowers to be heavily involved in the passing game on Sunday.

“He’s kind of a receiver in a big body, so he brings a lot of challenges,” Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto told The Post. “They’re going to try to give him the ball.”

Who is ahead?

When Broncos run

The Broncos have found life on the ground. Denver has averaged 131 rushing yards during its two-game winning streak. Starter Javonte Williams just had his best performance since last season, rushing for 77 yards on 16 carries against the Jets. If Williams can build off his Week 4 performance, the offense will be in much better shape. He should have every opportunity: The Raiders have struggled against the run, allowing 5.14 yards per attempt. Edge: Broncos

When Broncos come around

The fact that Denver beat the Jets despite Nix throwing for 60 yards remains baffling. According to Next Gen Stats, Nix is ​​the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to win a game in which he averaged less than 2.5 yards per pass attempt (minimum 25 attempts). This season he has completed just 12 of 44 passes that traveled 10 or more fields. The Raiders have a modest pass defense but have had trouble getting to the quarterback. Las Vegas has eight sacks and a pressure rate of 31.3%, according to Next Gen Stats. Edge: Straight

When Raiders Run

Las Vegas has one of the worst rushing attacks in the league, averaging 76.3 yards per game and 3.63 yards per attempt. Against Cleveland, Andrew Mattinson recorded the most rushing yards by a Raiders this season with 60. Denver has been solid against the run since the second half against Pittsburgh in Week 2. The Broncos held Jets running back Breece Hall to 10 carries for four yards. Edge: Broncos

When Raiders come around

Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew put up strong numbers. He has 877 passing yards and completed 70.7% of his throws. The Broncos secondary was exciting to watch. Cornerback Pat Surtain II has solidified his claim to be the best cornerback in the league. He has allowed eight catches for 85 yards on 11 targets. However, with the Raiders’ top receiver Davante Adams out, Surtain won’t face the same challenge as he has in recent weeks. Edge: Broncos

Special teams

Broncos punter Riley Dixon is playing at a Pro Bowl level, hitting 11 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line with just one touchback. Kicker Wil Lutz is third with 10 made field goals. Meanwhile, Raiders kicker and Colorado Springs native Daniel Carlson converted 7 of 9 field goal attempts (77.8%). Edge: Broncos

Coaching

While head coach Sean Payton relies on continuity on offense, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has built a dominant defense despite Pat Surtain II being the only first-round pick in the starting lineup. Antonio Pierce’s first full year as the Raiders’ head coach was plagued by injuries, and Davante Adams – the team’s best offensive player – was inching to be replaced. Despite glaring issues on both sides of the ball, the Raiders were able to pull off an impressive win over the Ravens in Week 2 and recently defeated the Browns. Edge: Broncos

Story from the tape

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* 2024 statistics

Using the numbers

110: Rushing yards for Broncos QB Bo Nix.

192: Receiving yards for Broncos WR Sutton.

8: Quarterback pressure for Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto.

13: Times Raiders QB Gardiner Minshew has been released.

69.7: Passer rating allowed for Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

Bet on it

Broncos first half winners (-148): The Raiders have been outscored 31-7 in the first half the last two weeks and 46-20 this season. Similar to Denver’s win over Tampa Bay, expect No Nix to get aggressive and try to find their rhythm early. The Broncos understand what Sunday is all about and will waste no time getting the ball rolling.

Minshew under 191.5 yards: Minshew threw for 130 yards against Cleveland last week and will be without Davante Adams on Sunday. Meanwhile, Denver’s defense was on the rise. With Zach Allen and Jonathon Cooper leading the defense, the Broncos should put pressure on Minshew and cause him problems throughout the afternoon.

Post predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 20, Raiders 13

It’s nearly impossible to know what to expect from Denver’s offense at this point. The weather had an impact on last week’s trip, but Bo Nix and Co. weren’t exactly a juggernaut beforehand. But the defense was solid and Vance Joseph’s group knows it needs to be good again this week. This eight-game losing streak must come to an end at some point. The Broncos aren’t great, but with two road wins in a row at home and Las Vegas in such disarray, there’s no reason why Sean Payton’s team should lose this game.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Raiders 13

The Broncos defense is legit and I expect the Raiders to be their next victim. Denver’s offense hasn’t been great, but given the better weather this week, we can expect Bo Nix to have his best performance as a rookie. The Broncos will end their terrible losing streak and move a game over .500. Denver will give its fan base a reason for hope for the future.

Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 18, Raiders 15

The last time the Broncos beat the Raiders, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” was the top song. It was 2019 and it just seemed like the roads were unpaved back then. The Raiders have won eight straight times against Denver, just six fewer than their longest streak of dominance (14 against Denver from 1965-71). The Broncos have a chance to make a statement. Coach Sean Payton needs to find a game that suits Bo Nix while relying on the running game. It will be hard on the eyes, but the Broncos escape with a late Wil Lutz field goal.