The Denver Broncos continued their remarkable midseason surge with a hard-fought 10–7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High, clinching their seventh consecutive win and strengthening their hold at the top of the AFC West.
The win pushes the Broncos to an 8–2 record, currently the best in the NFL, while the struggling Raiders dropped to 2–7 after another frustrating performance defined by missed opportunities and offensive stagnation.
Broncos Edge Raiders in Defensive Battle at Mile High
In a game dominated by defense rather than offensive fireworks, both teams found it difficult to sustain drives. The Broncos and Raiders combined for more penalties than first downs in a contest that tested patience on both sidelines.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos offense with composure, while kicker Wil Lutz proved decisive, drilling a 32-yard field goal in the second half that ultimately sealed the narrow win.
Denver’s defense, coordinated by Vance Joseph, was the difference-maker once again. The Broncos’ defensive line sacked Raiders quarterback Geno Smith six times and held the Las Vegas offense without a first down on seven consecutive drives — an extraordinary display of defensive discipline and pressure.
Early Touchdowns, Then a Defensive Lockdown
The Raiders struck first when Ashton Jeanty powered into the end zone on a four-yard touchdown run, giving Las Vegas an early 7–0 lead.
But the Broncos answered quickly, with rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin hauling in an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
From there, both defenses took over. The game turned into a tense battle of field position, highlighted by sacks, stalled drives, and penalty flags.
With just three points scored in the entire second half, the Broncos’ special teams came up big as Wil Lutz’s 32-yard kick proved the winning margin.
Las Vegas had one final chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but a missed field goal attempt sealed their fate and preserved Denver’s win streak.
Sean Payton: “We’ve Got to Clean Up the Penalties”
After the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged that while winning is satisfying, the team still has plenty to improve on.
“We’ve got to clean up some of the penalties. We’ve got to clean up the execution — and that’s an ongoing thing that probably never ends,” Payton said.
“You search for that Shangri-La. Right now, we’re sitting at eight wins, and I think we’re the only team there. But we’ve still got work to do.”
Payton’s remarks reflect the disciplined but imperfect nature of this Broncos side — one that’s learning to win even when not firing on all cylinders.
Raiders’ Offensive Woes Continue
For Las Vegas, it was another night of disappointment. Despite a promising opening drive, the Raiders’ offense once again failed to maintain momentum. Quarterback Geno Smith faced relentless pressure behind an inconsistent offensive line, getting sacked six times and failing to move the chains on seven straight possessions.
The defense, while strong in phases, struggled to get off the field when it mattered most. The missed field goal in the dying minutes was emblematic of a season where execution errors have defined the Raiders’ struggles.
Head coach Antonio Pierce faces growing pressure as the Raiders fall further down the AFC standings.
Broncos’ Rise Continues — From 1–2 Start to AFC West Leaders
The Broncos’ turnaround this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow 1–2 start, Sean Payton’s men have rattled off seven straight wins, positioning themselves as one of the NFL’s most balanced teams.
Their success has been built on a foundation of defensive toughness, disciplined quarterback play, and clutch performances in tight games.
Bo Nix continues to mature under center, showing poise in key moments, while the Broncos’ pass rush — led by Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto — has become one of the most feared in the league.
If Denver can maintain this momentum heading into the final stretch, their first playoff appearance since their Super Bowl 50 victory in 2015 could be within reach.
Next Up
- Denver Broncos: Travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a crucial divisional matchup that could have major playoff implications.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Return home to host the Los Angeles Chargers, as they look to stop the bleeding and avoid their eighth loss of the season.
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