VIOLATION — A-

The Broncos offense got off to a very rough start, but found its stride in the second half. At halftime, Denver had 125 yards, seven first downs and was 1 of 6 on third downs.

By the time Bo Nix hit Josh Reynolds for a touchdown and a 34-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter, Denver had 288 yards of offense and had completely taken control of the game. Nix threw for a pair of touchdowns and rushed for another. Another positive development: Javonte Williams continued to look good. He finished with 111 yards (61 rushing, 50 receiving) and has now put together back-to-back outings that look suspiciously like the pre-injury version of the powerful running back.

DEFENSE — A

Leave it to the Broncos’ best player to save a unit that’s getting off to an unusually slow start. Vance Joseph’s defense faltered and was in danger of losing 17-3 in the second quarter when Pat Surtain II picked off Gardner Minshew on the goal line and went 100 yards the other way for a touchdown. From then on, Denver’s defense dominated. Riley Moss stepped up in the second half with his first career interception and the Raiders went from 1:30 into the first quarter to trail 34-10 before scoring again late in the fourth quarter.

SPECIAL TEAMS — A-

Five weeks later, the Broncos’ return match finally kicked into high gear. Marvin Mims Jr. collected 54 punt return yards, including a 38-yarder that set up a touchdown drive. Tremon Smith also generated a big kick return. Placekicker Wil Lutz missed a 59-yard field goal in halftime, but was saved by a Las Vegas penalty. Riley Dixon didn’t have his best day punting, but overall this was another solid outing for a group that has been good all season.

The Broncos even took advantage of a quirky rule late in the game when Lutz deliberately kicked off from midfield. The penalty results in the ball being placed 25 meters from the kick-off spot. So the 25 yard line in Las Vegas is better than a touchback.