Raiders vs. Broncos: Denver grinds out 10–7 TNF win to extend streak and tighten grip on AFC West
The Denver Broncos outlasted the Las Vegas Raiders, 10–7, in a bruising Thursday Night Football showdown in Denver, pushing Denver to 8–2 and a seventh straight victory. Las Vegas fell to 2–7 as the Raiders’ offense struggled to sustain drives in a defense-first game that flipped field position and hinged on a handful of high-leverage snaps.
Raiders vs Broncos score, key moments, and why it mattered
Denver’s defense set the tone all night, repeatedly collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws while stacking up third-down stops. A blocked punt on special teams swung early momentum, and a measured late drive bled clock to clinch the result. The margin was thin—one red-zone mistake either way could have flipped it—but the Broncos’ complementary football held together: pass rush, coverage, and situational execution.
Las Vegas’ defense matched Denver’s physicality for long stretches, limiting explosive plays and forcing a string of three-and-outs. But the Raiders’ offense couldn’t capitalize on short fields, leaving points on the table in a game where every first down felt like a breakthrough.
Quick game facts
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Final: Broncos 10, Raiders 7
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Records: Broncos 8–2 (1st AFC West); Raiders 2–7
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Venue: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver)
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Flow: Defensive slugfest; special teams swing; Denver executed the final four-minute drill
Bo Nix and the Broncos offense: efficient enough, just in time
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix delivered a modest stat line (14-of-25, 127 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) yet authored the game’s most important sequence: a late third-and-short rollout strike that kept the decisive clock-draining drive alive. Denver’s pass game leaned on timing routes and quick rhythm throws to Troy Franklin—who grabbed a red-zone touchdown, continuing his scoring surge—and Pat Bryant, who moved the chains in key spots. The run game didn’t pop chunk gains consistently, but it forced the Raiders to honor the box and opened windows for play-action.
What it means for Denver: This was not a style-points win, but it reinforced a clear identity. Denver can win ugly, win late, and win with defense while the rookie quarterback makes the one or two throws that matter most. That travels in November.
Raiders offense stalls; Geno Smith banged up as targets expand for young weapons
The Raiders’ plan emphasized quick answers against Denver’s rush, with Tre Tucker and Michael Mayer featuring in the intermediate game and Brock Bowers drawing attention over the middle. Quarterback Geno Smith battled but took hits throughout and left with a thigh bruise evaluation late; he finished the night under constant pressure as Denver’s front kept resetting the line of scrimmage. Las Vegas had chances—short fields and a manageable down-and-distance script—but too many drives ended before midfield.
Silver lining: The defense limited Denver’s explosives and gave the offense repeated fourth-quarter opportunities. If the Raiders can translate that defensive bite into earlier points, they’ll stay in December games.
Defense wins the night: Denver’s front overwhelms
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Relentless pressure: Denver stacked multiple sacks and reached 46 team sacks through 10 games, an historic pace that’s carrying the group.
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Edge energy: Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper consistently won off the edge.
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Back-end discipline: With Pat Surtain II sidelined, Denver’s secondary still held up in man and pattern-match looks, squeezing windows and tackling after the catch.
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Special teams spark: A blocked punt flipped momentum early—Denver’s first in years—and set field position the Broncos leaned on the rest of the way.
Broncos vs Raiders player stats (selected)
| Team | Player | Line |
|---|---|---|
| DEN | Bo Nix (QB) | 14/25, 127 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| DEN | Troy Franklin (WR) | TD reception; continued red-zone impact |
| DEN | Front Seven | Multiple sacks; persistent third-down pressure |
| LV | Geno Smith (QB) | Pressured throughout; left late with thigh bruise evaluation |
| LV | Tre Tucker / Michael Mayer | Chain-moving targets; limited explosive plays |
Note: Team-reported postgame numbers may update slightly after review.
Where to watch Raiders vs Broncos replays and what’s next
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Replays/On-Demand: Full-game and condensed replays are available on the league’s official digital platforms and the exclusive Thursday streaming platform. Check team apps and league subscriptions for immediate on-demand access.
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Local radio: Both clubs provide local radio replays and game podcasts via their official team channels.
Next games (times subject to change; US ET & UK GMT)
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Broncos vs. Chiefs — Sun, Nov 16, 4:25 p.m. ET / 9:25 p.m. GMT, Denver. A heavyweight AFC West tilt that will test Denver’s pass protection and red-zone sequencing.
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Raiders vs. Cowboys (MNF) — Mon, Nov 17, 8:15 p.m. ET / 1:15 a.m. GMT, Las Vegas. A national-window showcase where offensive rhythm early will be critical for Las Vegas.
What this means for the AFC West
Denver’s 8–2 start strengthens control of the division and keeps the No. 1 seed in play as the schedule tightens. The formula—elite pass rush, situational offense, mistake-free special teams—mirrors successful November-to-January teams. For Las Vegas, the defense has the spine to keep games tight; the path forward hinges on stabilizing the offensive line, leaning into quick-game tempo, and getting healthier under center.
The Broncos keep stacking wins in multiple ways, and that versatility is why they’re dangerous. The Raiders have a defensive identity; turning stops into points is the next step.
