Broncos Eyeing Top Seed with Raiders Rematch on Deck - But Questions Remain
Week 14 is here, and the Denver Broncos are right in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. Sitting at 10-2 with a two-game cushion atop the AFC West, they’re in prime position to make a serious run. A win this Sunday over the division-rival Raiders would not only extend their winning streak to ten games but could also vault them back into the AFC’s No. 1 seed ahead of the New England Patriots.
It hasn’t always been pretty, but Denver’s resilience has been the defining trait of this 2025 campaign. Ten wins by early December is no fluke - it’s the product of a team that knows how to grind, rally, and close out games. And with just five weeks left in the regular season, the mission is clear: one game at a time.
Grit Over Glamour
Let’s be honest - the Broncos haven’t exactly been blowing teams out. Their Week 11 win over the Raiders was a 10-7 slugfest, and that’s been the theme for much of the season: tight games, late-game heroics, and just enough to get it done.
But while the margins have been narrow, the mental toughness has been off the charts. This group doesn’t flinch when the pressure mounts, and that’s a trait that travels well - especially in December.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt to see Denver assert itself a bit more this weekend. A convincing win on the road in Las Vegas would be a statement - not just to the rest of the AFC, but to themselves.
Defensive Cleanup, Offensive Rhythm
Last week’s win over Washington came with a few too many defensive breakdowns, and that’s something Denver will need to tighten up. Missed assignments and communication lapses can be costly down the stretch, especially against teams fighting for playoff life.
Offensively, the Broncos are still searching for consistency. Bo Nix has shown flashes of maturity beyond his years, especially in clutch moments, but asking your second-year quarterback to sling it 40 times a game isn’t a sustainable formula. That’s where the run game needs to step up.
The Raiders have struggled to stop the run lately - giving up 150+ yards on the ground in three of their last six outings. That’s an opportunity Denver has to exploit, and it starts with rookie RJ Harvey.
Time to Feed the Run Game
Harvey has had his moments this season - eight total touchdowns and over 500 scrimmage yards is nothing to scoff at. But over the last few weeks, he’s been bottled up, managing just 65 yards on 24 carries. That’s a 2.7-yard-per-carry clip, and it’s simply not good enough if the Broncos want to control games and take pressure off Nix.
Getting Harvey going isn’t just about his individual performance - it’s about setting the tone. A strong ground game opens up Sean Payton’s playbook, keeps the defense fresh, and gives this offense the balance it desperately needs heading into the postseason.
Pass Catchers Still Searching for Rhythm
Another area where Denver is still trying to find its footing? The receiving corps. Courtland Sutton and rookie Troy Franklin have been the primary targets, but consistency has been elusive across the board.
Tight end Evan Engram, in particular, has been something of a mystery this season. Before last week, he hadn’t topped 50 receiving yards in a game - a surprising stat for a player expected to play a key role in Payton’s offense.
But his 41-yard catch-and-run in overtime against Washington was a reminder of what he’s capable of. That play was the spark that ignited yet another comeback win, and it left fans wondering: where has that version of Engram been all year?
If Denver can unlock more of that - more of the explosive, mismatch-creating Engram that was hyped all offseason as a ‘Joker’ in this offense - it could be a game-changer. Especially as defenses start keying in on Sutton and Franklin.
The Road Ahead
With five games left, the Broncos are in control of their destiny. But there’s still work to be done.
The defense needs to stay sharp. The offense needs to find rhythm - particularly on the ground.
And they need more out of their playmakers in the passing game.
If those pieces come together, Denver won’t just be a playoff team - they’ll be a legitimate threat to make noise in January. But if the inconsistencies linger, they’ll face an uphill climb in what’s shaping up to be a crowded AFC field.
Sunday’s game in Vegas isn’t just another divisional matchup. It’s a chance for the Broncos to show they’re more than just gritty - they’re ready to dominate.