Parker Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 20, Raiders 13 It’s next to impossible to know what you’re going to get from the Denver offense at this point. Weather impacted last week’s outing, but Bo Nix and company weren’t exactly a juggernaut before that. But the defense has been solid and Vance Joseph’s group knows it will have to be good again this week. This eight-game losing streak has to an end at some point. The Broncos aren’t great, but at home, coming off two straight road wins and with Las Vegas as banged up as it is, there’s no reason Sean Payton’s team should lose this one.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Ryan Broncos McFadden 24, Raiders 13 The Broncos defense is legit and I expect the Raiders to be their next victim. Denver’s offense hasn’t been good but with better weather this week, expect Bo Nix to have his best performance as a rookie. The Broncos will snap their dreadful losing streak and go a game above .500. Denver will give its fanbase a reason for hope moving forward.
Troy Troy Renck, Renck columnist: Broncos 18, Raiders 15 The last time the Broncos beat the Raiders “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X was the top song. It was 2019, and it only seems like streets were unpaved back then. The Raiders have won eight straight against Denver, only six shy of their longest streak of dominance (14 against Denver from 1965-71). The Broncos have a chance to make a statement. Coach Sean Payton needs to call a game that fits Bo Nix, while leaning on the run game. It will be hard on the eyes, but the Broncos escape with a late field goal from Wil Lutz.
Sean Sean Keeler, Keeler columnist: Broncos 16, Raiders 14 Dang it, I believe in Vance Joseph. I believe in PS2. I believe that if Sam Darnold could get there, Bo Nix can get there, too. But two things keep bugging me. One, the Raiders might be the NFL’s most volatile stock in a volatile league — you never know what you’re gonna get. Two, Minshew Magic travels well. The Jorts King has a better career passer rating on the road (91.0) than at home (88.9) and a better TD-interception ratio (33-13 vs. 29-14), too. Still, the bet here is VJ is Minshew’s Voldemort, and the orange and blue pull ahead on a field goal late.