The Denver Broncos extended their winning streak to seven games with a gritty 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, fueled by a dominant defensive performance that included six sacks on quarterback Geno Smith.
In a Thursday Night Football matchup at Empower Field at Mile High, the Broncos and Raiders engaged in a low-scoring affair where defense dominated from start to finish. Denver’s victory pushed their record to 8-2, solidifying their position atop the AFC West, while Las Vegas fell to 2-7, continuing a disappointing season. The game was marked by numerous punts and few scoring opportunities, with both offenses struggling to find consistency against stout defensive units.
The Broncos’ defense was the story of the night, recording six sacks and consistently pressuring Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. Nik Bonitto led the charge with 1.5 sacks and eight pressures, contributing to a unit that now has 46 sacks through 10 games, putting them on pace to challenge the NFL’s single-season record. This defensive effort limited Las Vegas to just 188 total yards and 10 first downs, showcasing Denver’s ability to win games despite offensive shortcomings.
Offensively, the Broncos faced significant challenges, with quarterback Bo Nix completing 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Denver didn’t secure their first first down until midway through the second quarter and had multiple three-and-out drives. Running back J.K. Dobbins provided a bright spot with 77 rushing yards, but penalties and dropped passes hampered the team’s rhythm throughout the game.
A pivotal moment came in the third quarter when Broncos safety JL Skinner blocked a punt from AJ Cole, with the ball caroming off his facemask and Denver recovering at the Raiders’ 12-yard line. This set up a 30-yard field goal by Wil Lutz, which proved to be the game-winning score. Earlier, Las Vegas had taken a 7-0 lead on a touchdown run by rookie Ashton Jeanty, but the Broncos tied it before halftime with a Nix pass to Troy Franklin.
The Raiders’ offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, with Geno Smith playing through a quad injury sustained in the second half. Smith was sacked six times and threw an interception, bringing his season total to 12, the most in the NFL. Key mistakes, including penalties that negated big plays and a missed 48-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson with 4:26 remaining, sealed Las Vegas’s fate in a game they could have won.
Looking ahead, the Broncos must address their offensive inconsistencies as they prepare for a crucial divisional clash with the Kansas City Chiefs next week. Meanwhile, the Raiders have a mini-bye before facing the Dallas Cowboys, needing to regroup amid injury concerns, including to guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. Denver’s defense has carried them thus far, but sustained success will require a more balanced attack in the competitive AFC landscape.