The Broncos won in Las Vegas by dominating takeaways and getting key contributions from their defense – particularly Patrick Surtain II who provided a game-altering interception.
Denver scored its comeback win thanks to one pivotal play late in the third quarter. Brandon Jones intercepted Gardner Minshew and Bo Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for an 18-yard TD to give them the lead.
| Team | Player | Position | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | Brock Bowers | TE | 8 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD |
| Raiders | Jakobi Meyers | WR | 6 receptions, 72 yards |
| Raiders | Ameer Abdullah | RB | 5 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD |
| Raiders | Gardner Minshew | QB | 12/17, 137 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT |
| Raiders | Aidan O’Connell | QB | 10/20, 94 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT |
| Raiders | Maxx Crosby | DE | 2 sacks |
| Raiders | Christian Wilkins | DT | 4 tackles |
| Raiders | Tre’von Moehrig | S | 3 tackles |
| Broncos | Bo Nix | QB | 19/27, 206 yards, 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD |
| Broncos | Javonte Williams | RB | 13 carries, 61 yards; 5 receptions, 50 yards |
| Broncos | Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | 6 carries, 22 yards; 3 receptions, 3 yards, 1 TD |
| Broncos | Josh Reynolds | WR | 1 reception, 9 yards, 1 TD |
| Broncos | Lil’Jordan Humphrey | WR | 2 receptions, 48 yards |
| Broncos | Patrick Surtain II | CB | 2 INTs, including 100-yard pick-six |
| Broncos | Riley Moss | CB | 1 INT |
| Broncos | Zach Allen | DE | 1 sack |
| Broncos | Nik Bonitto | LB | 1 sack |
| Broncos | Jonathon Cooper | LB | 1 sack |
Wil Lutz
Wil Lutz is one of the premier placekickers in the NFL. Since having a potential game-winning field goal blocked against Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10, he hasn’t missed a kick – an unblemished streak which should continue when visiting their AFC West rivals the Broncos in Week 18.
The Raiders have struggled since returning from their bye week to produce on offense, averaging only 185 total yards in each of their last two games compared to just 147 rushing yards allowed against Broncos opponents over that same span. That could spell trouble against Denver whose defense has held opponents to just that amount in recent games.
Denver’s defense will also play a pivotal role in this game. They have forced 21 turnovers this season and picked off 15 passes; additionally, their pass rush has been great; only allowing one sack in four outings so far this season.
Patrick Surtain II will play an integral part of Denver Broncos’ success against Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Surtain has recorded multiple interceptions in both of his last two games and could contribute more against their AFC West foe.
Wil Lutz is an adept kicker who can use both legs and arms to score. With long legs that allow him to boot the ball through tight windows, Lutz has also successfully kicked short and deep kickoffs for the Broncos. He has made numerous clutch kicks this year, including the game-winning kick in the AFC Championship game against Buffalo Bills. He currently ranks in the top-10 fantasy kickers for 2024 and should be considered when building playoff lineups. As a high schooler in Newnan, Georgia and college footballer at Georgia State University. His father is a former professional player who currently coaches special teams with the Atlanta Falcons; and was selected in the second round of 2025 NFL draft by Denver Broncos; additionally he played Canadian Football League where he scored two Super Bowl touchdowns.
Nik Bonitto
The Denver Broncos will look to extend their winning streak against division rivals the Las Vegas Raiders when they meet on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium. The Broncos are currently 5.5-point favorites for this matchup with an over/under of 42 points set. On Monday night, Miami Dolphins defeated them 31-20 and are on a six-game losing streak as well as being winless this season when trailing by at least two touchdowns.
The Broncos defense has shown great promise over recent weeks, and will need to continue doing so against the Raiders. They have allowed only 220 passing yards this season thanks to an effective defensive front. Nik Bonitto could lead the team in tackles and sacks against Oakland while Gardner Minshew must remain under constant pressure while running back Darren McFadden remains limited in effectiveness.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix had his best game of the season against Atlanta Falcons last week when he threw for 307 yards and four touchdowns, setting a franchise rookie passing record. To continue building off this performance, however, red zone efficiency will need to increase dramatically; wide receiver Courtland Sutton has proven invaluable as part of Bo Nix’s offense and may prove even more so against Oakland Raiders.
After an inauspicious start to their season, the Raiders are beginning to find their footing. Their chances of rebounding from their loss to the Dolphins may increase with Michael Crabtree back as a player on defense. While DeAndre Washington remains injured for this weekend’s matchup against Denver are promising as long as his health permits it.
The Raiders hope to avoid another blowout against Denver by producing an improved offensive effort from their struggling players. Finding ways to reach the end zone and stopping Denver from turning turnovers into easy touchdowns are essential goals in their pursuit.
The Raiders will be without left tackle Mike McGlinchey after placing him on injured reserve on Saturday, and three other players — LB Nik Bonitto (calf), Nate Adkins (concussion), and Jaleel McLaughlin (abdominal). — remain questionable ahead of Sunday’s matchup against Denver Broncos.
Courtland Sutton
At the core of Denver’s Week 6 victory against Oakland was Courtland Sutton’s incredible 18-yard catch, where his long frame propelled him over an opposing cornerback for an easy catch that gave the Broncos the edge they would not relinquish. That play was one of several critical takeaways from Denver’s defense which helped overcome their slow start and score 13 fourth-quarter points for an exciting divisional victory.
These three takeaways were key, as the Broncos improved to 7-1 when forcing at least one turnover. Furthermore, they held Oakland to 22 yards in second-half possessions – helping overcome an unexpected 24-0 halftime deficit and win their inaugural game since moving there from Oakland in 2020.
Denver celebrated their first season series sweep against Oakland since 1995 in this win at their new home stadium, which also marks a first win there. Courtland Sutton provided two touchdown catches from quarterback Bo Nix. Denver also saw some help on defense with Brandon Jones making two defensive plays including an impressive 100-yard pick-six play.
Sutton’s performance has propelled him toward an extension with the Broncos. With one year remaining on his current deal, which could come up for negotiation as early as this spring or next year. Initial conversations between Sutton and Denver are underway but discussions won’t likely intensify until after the draft has taken place.
Nik Bonitto, who is in his final year of his current contract, could also see himself sign a new one this off-season. Thanks to his excellent pass rushing abilities – which have often been game changers – he stands a good chance at landing an extension; some insiders believe he may even outdo Sutton in that regard. Bonitto has also proven a capable run blocker this season allowing running back Emmanuel Sanders plenty of carries.
Brandon Jones
After an uneven start to their season, the Denver Broncos are finding their footing. After beating New York Jets in an intense match-up on the road, they returned home to take on Las Vegas Raiders division rivals in order to keep pace with Kansas City Chiefs and LA Chargers. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw four touchdown passes while recording career high 307. Additionally, defense held Raiders to just two yards on the ground and forced three turnovers as well as contributing with two interception and pass breakups from LB Brandon Jones who made his first career interception while contributing two pass breakups – something which helped keep momentum with both Kansas City Chiefs and LA Chargers!
Broncos were in control throughout most of the game until a late Raiders drive resulted in Daniel Carlson scoring a 34-yard field goal from Daniel Carlson’s boot. Although game remained tight after this score was recorded, Denver held onto victory to take back home field advantage.
After their defeat on Sunday, the Raiders fell to 6-5 and have now dropped eight of their last nine games – eight on the road! Still searching for its inaugural road victory of 2018, and facing stiff competition in AFC West.
The Raiders’ chief obstacle this season has been their inability to protect quarterback Derek Carr. Their offensive line has allowed 31 pressures through four games, the fourth-most total in the NFL. Furthermore, the team is struggling with running back at only 3.6 yards per carry average.
On defense, the Raiders have struggled with consistency and made too many costly errors to compete effectively with rival teams. Though they rank second in sacks among league teams, their secondary is not adequate enough to compensate for any weaknesses on that side of their game.
In the first quarter, the Raiders amassed 202 net yards on their initial three possessions; however, Denver’s defense stepped up to limit any further damage. Linebacker Robert Spillane made four tackles to record a career high, while OLB Nik Bonitto notched two sacks.
The Broncos look to extend their winning streak against the Raiders to three. Their defense will look to continue their recent dominance at home against an underperforming Raiders team; RT Mike McGlinchey may see considerable action against Raiders DE Maxx Crosby who leads all NFL defenders with 28 quarterback pressures through five games.