A storied rivalry unfolds this ‘Thursday Night Football’ as the Denver Broncos face off against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos (7-2) are tied for the best record in the league, riding a six-game win streak after a recent comeback victory over Houston (18-15). On the other hand, the Raiders (2-6) come off a defeat against Jacksonville (30-29) after their bye week. Historically, the Raiders lead the series 73-56-2. Notably, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (pectoral) and receiver Marvin Mims (concussion) will not play.
Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET from Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, where the Broncos previously swept the season series against the Raiders in 2024. Currently, Denver is favored by 8.5 points on the latest odds, with a total points over/under set at 42.5.
Why the Raiders Have a Chance to Cover
Despite their recent loss, Las Vegas performed well against the spread, covering in two of their last three games. Conversely, Denver has struggled to live up to expectations when heavily favored, recording a mere 1-3 against the spread in that scenario this season.
Key players for the Raiders include quarterback Geno Smith, who recently threw four touchdown passes with three caught by Brock Bowers, returning from injury. Rookie Ashton Jeanty has also shone, averaging 94.6 scrimmage yards across his last five games and scoring five touchdowns.
Why the Broncos Can Cover
The Broncos boast an elite defense, leading the NFL in various metrics, including the most sacks (40) and top rankings in both third-down and redzone defense. At home, they average a remarkable 31.3 points per game, a stark contrast to their lower scoring on the road. Meanwhile, the Raiders allow 31.3 points on the road, highlighting their struggles away from home.
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Now, the sports model has its sights set on the Raiders vs. Broncos matchup, predicting a total of 47 points. You can follow this link to see the model’s picks.
