Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EST | Amazon Prime Video | Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | Records: Las Vegas Raiders (2–6) at Denver Broncos (7–2) | Series Record: Raiders lead 76–53–2
Last Meeting: Broncos beat Raiders 29–19 on Nov. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas
The Denver Broncos are flying high into Week 10, sitting alone atop the AFC West for the first time in November since their 2015 Super Bowl-winning campaign. They’ll try to stay there Thursday night when they host the struggling Las Vegas Raiders under the Mile High lights on Amazon Prime Video.
Denver (7–2) has turned back the clock in more ways than one. A dominant defense, a punishing pass rush, and a balanced offense led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix have powered the Broncos to their best start in a decade. Their 18–15 win over Houston last week extended their home winning streak to nine straight, currently the longest active run in the NFL.
The Raiders (2–6), meanwhile, continue to search for consistency under head coach Pete Carroll, who could notch career victory No. 173 on Thursday, tying him with Jeff Fisher for 16th all-time. Las Vegas fell heartbreakingly short last week, dropping a 30–29 decision to Jacksonville after blowing a late lead.
The Broncos have built their resurgence on defense. They lead the league with 40 sacks, with 14 different players contributing to that total, an astonishing show of depth and discipline. Their plus-31 sack differential is the largest through nine games in NFL history.
Third downs have been nearly impossible for opponents — Denver has held five teams under 20% conversion rates, including Houston’s 3-of-17 (17.6%) showing last week. In four games this season, the Broncos haven’t allowed a single touchdown.
Rookie cornerback Riley Moss has emerged as a breakout performer in the secondary, posting a career-best 10 pass breakups, while the defensive front has turned every down into a problem for opposing quarterbacks.
Bo Nix has been everything Denver hoped for and more. The poised second-year quarterback can join elite company Thursday night — becoming the fourth player in NFL history with multiple touchdown passes in 10 games within his first two seasons.
Running back J.K. Dobbins has been the steady engine of the offense, one of only two players in the league (along with the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor) to rush for 60 or more yards in eight games this year.
The Broncos’ home crowd and altitude have also played a role in their dominance. They’ve scored early, controlled tempo, and forced teams into long, uncomfortable third downs — a formula that has made Denver’s home field one of the toughest in football once again.
Las Vegas enters Thursday’s game on a four-game skid, but there are bright spots amid the frustration. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers continues to be a historic performer — his five career games with 10 or more catches are the most ever for a tight end through two seasons.
On special teams, Raheem Mostert remains one of the league’s most dangerous returners, leading the NFL with a 32.4-yard kickoff return average. Kicker Daniel Carlson continues to be automatic, with 215 made field goals since 2018, tied with Justin Tucker for most in that span.
Defensively, the Raiders’ front has been disruptive even when the results haven’t followed. Their 13 passes defended by linemen lead the league, three more than any other team. Safety Jeremy Chinn needs just one sack to become only the eighth defensive back since 1982 to record at least one in six consecutive seasons.
Curiously, Las Vegas plays the league’s lowest rate of nickel defense (28.6% of snaps), preferring to stay heavier up front — a scheme that will be tested by Nix’s quick decisions and Denver’s varied offensive looks.
The Broncos’ margin atop the AFC West is slim — just one game ahead of the Chargers and two ahead of the Chiefs, who have won the division every year since 2016. A win Thursday would not only strengthen Denver’s grip but also continue their statement season under coach Sean Payton.
A sweep of the Raiders for the second straight year — something Denver hasn’t done since sweeping Las Vegas in 2015 — would further reinforce their transformation from a rebuilding project to a legitimate contender.
What’s at stake: Denver’s bid to stay in first place in the AFC West and continue its best season in a decade; Las Vegas’ chance to spoil a rival’s momentum and regain stability under Carroll.
Key matchup: Broncos’ defensive front vs. Raiders’ offensive line — can Las Vegas keep Bowers and Mostert involved if Nix and company control the clock? X-factor: Denver’s altitude and pass rush — a deadly combination for any opponent, especially one struggling to find rhythm on the road.
