How Denver matches up with Las Vegas and predictions

Raiders (2-2) at Broncos (2-2)

When: Sunday, 2:05 p.m. MT

Where: Empower Field at Mile High

Radio/TV: 850 AM, 94.1 FM/FOX

Line: Broncos -3.0

Broncos-Raiders series: Denver is 53-72-2 in 127 regular-season games dating back to 1960; the Broncos lost 27-14 in the last meeting, on Jan. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas, and have dropped eight in a row against their divisional foe.

In the spotlight: Raiders TE Brock Bowers has potential to give Broncos “headaches”

The sacrifice of Denver drafting its franchise quarterback: Missing out on potential generational talent.

With the 12th overall pick in April’s draft, the Broncos were in position to take Georgia star tight end Brock Bowers — one of the most highly rated players in the class and someone who could solve Denver’s need for a dynamic pass catcher.

The Broncos, however, decided to address the most important position on the roster, taking Bo Nix. The downside was that Bowers fell to the Raiders with the next pick, meaning Denver will have to face him twice a year for the foreseeable future, starting on Sunday afternoon.

“He’s definitely someone that can give you headaches,” head coach Sean Payton said.

Payton said the team liked Bowers “a lot” during the pre-draft process. The former Saints coach recalled catching a glimpse of Bowers whenever he would visit Georgia for speaking engagements and stop by Bulldogs practice.

As a Bulldog, Bowers was a star. A two-time John Mackey Award winner, Bowers recorded 2,538 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons in Athens. Bowers was used all over the field. In 2022, he rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown run against Kent State.

“He’s one of those ‘joker’ tight ends that can move in space. You can see and feel his football I.Q. when you watch him play,” Payton said. “There aren’t many players from Napa, California. I remember in the Combine interview just being surprised.”

Bowers has already made an impact in Las Vegas. He has a team-best 216 yards on 20 catches while averaging 10.8 yards per reception. His best game came against the Ravens when he caught nine passes for 98 yards.

While running routes, Bowers has averaged five yards of separation, according to Next Gen Stats.

Denver safety P.J. Locke called him “a big dog tight end.” While playing under former Broncos coach Vic Fangio, that was the term the defense gave players like the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, Ravens’ Mark Andrews and former Raider Darren Waller.

“You have to keep your eyes on him at all times,” Locke told The Denver Post. “He’s an awesome player.”

With Raiders star wideout Davante Adams (hamstring) expected to not play, players are anticipating Bowers to be heavily involved in the passing game on Sunday.

“He’s kind of like a receiver in a big body, so he brings a lot of challenges,” Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto told The Post. “They are gonna try to give him the ball.”

Who has the edge?

When Broncos run

The Broncos have found some life on the ground. Denver has averaged 131 rushing yards during its two-game win streak. Starter Javonte Williams is fresh off his best performance since last season, rushing for 77 yards on 16 carries against the Jets. If Williams can build on his outing in Week 4, the offense will be in much better shape. He should have every opportunity: The Raiders have struggled against the run, allowing 5.14 yards per attempt. Edge: Broncos

When Broncos pass

The fact Denver defeated the Jets despite Nix throwing for 60 yards remains mind-boggling. Nix is the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to win a game in which he averaged fewer than 2.5 yards per pass attempt (minimum 25 attempts), according to Next Gen Stats. This season, he has completed just 12 of 44 passes that have traveled 10 or more air yards. The Raiders have a modest pass defense but have had a hard time getting after the quarterback. With Broncos killer Maxx Crosby unavailable, that’s unlikely to change. Las Vegas has eight sacks and a pressure rate of 31.3%, according to Next Gen Stats. Edge: Even

When Raiders run

Las Vegas has one of the league’s worst rushing attacks, averaging 76.3 yards per game and 3.63 yards per attempt. Against Cleveland, Andrew Mattinson recorded the most rushing yards by a Raider this season with 60. Denver has been solid against the run since the second half against Pittsburgh in Week 2. The Broncos held Jets running back Breece Hall to 10 carries for four yards. Edge: Broncos

When Raiders pass

Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew has put up strong numbers. He has 877 passing yards while completing 70.7% of his throws. The Broncos’ secondary has been exciting to watch. Cornerback Pat Surtain II has strengthened his case for being the league’s best cornerback. He has allowed eight catches for 85 yards on 11 targets. With top Raiders receiver Davante Adams out, however, Surtain won’t have the same challenge as in previous weeks. Edge: Broncos

Special teams

Broncos punter Riley Dixon is playing at a Pro Bowl level, downing 11 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line with only one touchback. Kicker Wil Lutz is tied for third in field goals made (10). Meanwhile, Raiders kicker and Colorado Springs native Daniel Carlson has converted 7 of 9 field goal attempts (77.8%).  Edge: Broncos

Coaching

While head coach Sean Payton searches for continuity on offense, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has engineered a dominant defense despite Pat Surtain II being the only first-round pick in the starting lineup. Antonio Pierce’s first full year as the Raiders head coach has been hammered with injuries and Davante Adams — the team’s top offensive player — lobbying to get traded. Despite glaring issues on both sides of the ball, the Raiders were able to pull off an impressive win over the Ravens in Week 2 and recently took down the Browns. Edge: Broncos

Tale of the tape

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* Stats from 2024

By the numbers

110: Rushing yards for Broncos QB Bo Nix.

192: Receiving yards for Broncos WR Sutton.

8: Quarterback pressures for Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto.

13: Times Raiders QB Gardiner Minshew has been sacked.

69.7: Passer rating allowed for Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

Bet on it

Broncos first-half winner (-148): The Raiders have been outscored 31-7 in the first half over the last two weeks, and 46-20 for the season. Similar to Denver’s victory over Tampa Bay, expect No Nix to get aggressive and try to find his rhythm early. The Broncos understand what’s at stake on Sunday and won’t waste any time in getting the ball rolling.

Minshew under 191.5 passing yards: Minshew threw for 130 yards last week against Cleveland and will be without Davante Adams on Sunday. Meanwhile, Denver’s defense has been hooping. With Zach Allen and Jonathon Cooper leading the defensive front, the Broncos should generate pressure on Minshew, giving him problems throughout the afternoon.

Post predictions

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: Broncos 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 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.