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

When: Sunday, 2:05 PM MT

Where: Empower Field at Mile High

Radio/TV: 850 AM, 94.1FM/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 lost eight in a row against their division foe.

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

Denver’s sacrifice in drafting its franchise quarterback: missing out on potential generational talent.

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

However, the Broncos decided to address the most important position on the roster and take 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 who can give you a headache,” head coach Sean Payton said.

Payton said the team liked Bowers “a lot” during the pre-draft process. The former Saints coach recalled catching glimpses of Bowers when he visited Georgia for speaking engagements and stopped 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 were 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 IQ when you watch him play,” Payton said. “There aren’t many players from Napa, California. I remember in the Combine interview I was just surprised.

Bowers has already made an impression 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.

According to Next Gen Stats, Bowers has averaged five yards separation while running routes.

Denver safety PJ Locke called him “a big dog.” When he played under former Broncos coach Vic Fangio, that was the term the defense gave to players like the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, Ravens’ Mark Andrews and former Raider Darren Waller.

“You have to keep an eye on him at all times,” Locke told The Denver Post. “He’s a great player.”

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

“He’s kind of a receiver in a big body, so he brings a lot of challenges,” Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto told The Post. “They’re going to try to get 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 performance in Week 4, the offense will be in much better shape. He should get every opportunity: The Raiders have struggled against the run, allowing 5.14 yards per attempt. Edge: Broncos

When Broncos pass

The fact that Denver beat the Jets despite Nix throwing for 60 yards remains baffling. 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 covered 10 or more air yards. The Raiders have a modest pass defense, but struggle to get after the quarterback. According to Next Gen Stats, Las Vegas has eight sacks and a pressure rate of 31.3%. Edge: even

When Raiders run

Las Vegas has one of the worst rushing attacks in the league, 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 to 10 carries for four yards against Breece Hall. Edge: Broncos

When robbers 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 was exciting to watch. Cornerback Pat Surtain II has strengthened his case as the league’s best cornerback. He has allowed eight catches for 85 yards on 11 targets. However, with top Raiders receiver Davante Adams out, 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, knocking down 11 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line with just one touchback. Kicker Wil Lutz is tied for third in field goals (10). Meanwhile, Raiders and Colorado Springs kicker Daniel Carlson has converted 7 of 9 field goal attempts (77.8%). Edge: Broncos

Coaching

While head coach Sean Payton looks for continuity on offense, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has developed a dominant defense despite Pat Surtain II being the only first-round pick in the starting lineup. Antonio Pierce’s first full year as Raiders head coach was plagued by injuries, and Davante Adams – the team’s best offensive player – lobbied to be 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 defeated the Browns. Edge: Broncos

Story of the band

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* Statistics from 2024

By the numbers

110: Rushing yards for Broncos QB Bo Nix.

192: Receiving yards for Broncos WR Sutton.

8: Quarterback pressure for Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto.

13: Times Raiders QB Gardiner Minshew has been fired.

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 the past two weeks and 46-20 this season. Much like Denver’s win over Tampa Bay, expect No Nix to get aggressive and find its rhythm early. The Broncos understand what’s at stake on Sunday and won’t waste any time getting the ball rolling.

Minshew among 191.5 passing yards: Minshew threw for 130 yards against Cleveland last week and will be without Davante Adams on Sunday. Meanwhile, Denver’s defense is in turmoil. With Zach Allen and Jonathon Cooper leading the defensive front, the Broncos should put pressure on Minshew, which would cause him problems all afternoon.

Post predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 20, Raiders 13

It’s almost impossible to know what you’re going to get from Denver’s offense at this point. The weather affected last week’s outing, but Bo Nix and company weren’t exactly a juggernaut. But the defense was solid and Vance Joseph’s group knows it will have to do well again this week. This eight-game losing streak will end at some point. The Broncos aren’t great, but at home, after two straight wins and with Las Vegas in such dire straits, there’s no reason why 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, Bo Nix can expect his best performance as a rookie. The Broncos will break their terrible losing streak and go one game above .500. Denver will give its fanbase a reason to hope for the future.

Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 18, Raiders 15

The last time the Broncos beat the Raiders, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” was the top song. It was 2019 and it just seems like the streets were still unpaved back then. The Raiders have won eight in a row against Denver, just six short of their longest streak of dominance (fourteen against Denver from 1965-71). The Broncos have a chance to make a statement. Coach Sean Payton needs to call a play that suits Bo Nix as he leans on the run game. It will be tough on the eyes, but the Broncos escape with a late field goal by Wil Lutz.