Intro
The Denver Broncos can become the 1st NFL team to reach the 8 win mark as they host the 2-6 Raiders. Las Vegas has dropped 6 of its past 7 games, including a 30-29 home overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. Bo Nix and the Broncos have been comeback kings this season rallying from 4th quarter deficits 4 times already. In fact, they scored 11 straight 4th quarter points in last Sunday’s 18-15 road win over the Texans. Denver swept the head to head series versus their AFC West rival last season after losing the previous 8 matchups.
Injuries/Trades
The Raiders are finally healthy with Brock Bowers returning last week with a monster performance with 12 catches for 127 yards and 3 TD’s. However, they did send WR Jakobi Meyers to Jacksonville for a 4th and 6th round pick in 2026 at the trade deadline. The Broncos will be without star CB Patrick Surtain as he will miss his 2nd straight game with a pectoral injury. Kicker Will Lutz (illness) and TE Nate Adkins (knee) have also missed practice this week for Denver.
Statistical Analysis
The Raiders offense has been abysmal this season, but were without Bowers who is by far their best receiving option. They will go up against a Broncos defense which is one of the league’s best units even without Surtain. The Broncos lead the league in sacks with a ridiculous 4.4 per game and that could lead to disaster against a below average Raiders offensive line. The Broncos offense has started slow all season and the Raiders have a feisty defense led by DE Maxx Crosby limiting opponents to 5.4 yards per play the 9th best in the NFL. I think the Broncos start slow again and let the Raiders hang around especially with Bowers creating a matchup nightmare. I also think Geno Smith is prone to a mistake or 2 with Denver’s pass rush forcing him to make quick decisions.
The Bookie of Eli 
Leave a comment