Broncos Eye 11th Straight Win as They Face Reeling Raiders in Week 14
The Denver Broncos are one of the NFL’s hottest teams, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Riding a nine-game winning streak, Denver heads into Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a clear mission: keep pace with the New England Patriots in the race for the AFC’s top seed.
At 10-2, the Broncos are tied atop the conference standings, but with the Patriots on a bye, Denver has a golden opportunity to pull even in the win column. And while Las Vegas enters this one at 2-10, don’t expect Denver to overlook their long-time division rival - especially with playoff positioning on the line.
Broncos Surging, Raiders Searching
Last week’s overtime thriller against Washington wasn’t just a statement win - it was the kind of gritty, emotionally charged victory that can galvanize a team down the stretch. Denver showed resilience, composure, and just enough offensive firepower to get it done when it mattered most.
Now they’re looking to carry that momentum into Allegiant Stadium, where the Raiders are limping toward the finish line of a season that’s gone sideways in a hurry. Injuries have piled up, the offense has sputtered, and the defense - outside of a few bright spots - hasn’t been able to keep games close.
But if there’s one thing that can rally a struggling team, it’s the chance to play spoiler against a hated rival. The Raiders would love nothing more than to throw a wrench into Denver’s playoff push and give their fans something to cheer about in an otherwise lost season.
All-Time Rivalry
The Raiders still hold the historical edge in this storied AFC West rivalry, leading the all-time series 73-57-2. But the tide has started to shift. The Broncos have taken the last three meetings, and they’re looking to extend that streak to four on Sunday.
Who’s In, Who’s Out
Injuries are a factor for both squads heading into this one.
Broncos:
- D.J. Jones (ankle) and Nate Adkins (knee) are both ruled out, thinning Denver’s depth on the defensive line and at tight end.
Raiders:
- Las Vegas is dealing with a long list of absences.
Tight end Michael Mayer (ankle), wide receivers Dont’e Thornton (concussion) and Alex Bachman (thumb) are all out.
- On the defensive side, Maxx Crosby (knee), Jamal Adams (ankle), Jeremy Chinn (back), Dylan Parham (back), and Jordan Meredith (ankle) are all listed as questionable - a concerning situation for a unit already stretched thin.
If Crosby can’t go or is limited, it’s a massive blow to a Raiders defense that leans heavily on his ability to disrupt the pocket. And with Denver’s offense clicking, Las Vegas will need all hands on deck just to keep this one competitive.
Where to Watch
- TV: CBS
- Kickoff: 2:05 p.m.
MT
- Announcers: Andrew Catalon and Charles Davis
Expert Picks Lean Denver
There’s a clear consensus among analysts: this is Denver’s game to lose.
Vinnie Iyer sees the Broncos winning 24-13, noting that Denver’s offensive balance will be too much for a Raiders defense that’s largely reliant on Crosby. He expects the Broncos’ defense to hold firm, even if Las Vegas finds a spark from a player like Brock Bowers.
Bill Bender predicts a 26-16 Denver victory, pointing out that while the Raiders made the first matchup close - a 10-7 slugfest on a short week - this game feels different. Denver has three of its final four games at home and is eyeing the No. 1 seed. With the Raiders struggling on the road (1-5 straight up, 2-4 against the spread), Bender doesn’t see this as a trap game.
And looking at the trenches, Denver’s defensive front has a clear advantage. The Raiders’ offensive line has been a liability all season, and the Broncos are built to exploit that - especially if they can generate pressure and force turnovers. Short fields could be the difference if Denver’s pass rush gets cooking early.
Final Word
This one sets up as a classic case of two teams headed in opposite directions. The Broncos are surging, focused, and playing with purpose.
The Raiders are battered, inconsistent, and searching for answers. But in the AFC West, rivalry games rarely go according to script.
Still, if Denver brings the same intensity and execution they’ve shown over the past nine weeks, they should walk out of Las Vegas with their 11th win - and a continued grip on one of the AFC’s most coveted playoff spots.