The Denver Broncos emerged victorious in Las Vegas on Sunday, defeating the Raiders 29-19 in a gritty performance that showcased their resilience. The win, which marked Denver’s seventh of the season, keeps the team firmly in the AFC playoff hunt and highlights the transformation under head coach Sean Payton.
Slow Start, Big Finish
For much of the game, the Broncos’ offense struggled to find its rhythm. After posting 38 points in a dominant performance last week, Denver managed only three field goals in the first half and went into the locker room trailing by four.
The second half began ominously, with a three-and-out on their opening drive. ESPN’s win probability tracker dipped below 30% for Denver, and a Raiders upset seemed increasingly likely.
But that’s when things changed.
The Broncos adjusted, relying on key defensive plays and a revitalized offense to swing the momentum. Quarterback Bo Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for a crucial touchdown after a Brandon Jones interception, giving Denver a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
A Team Built on Grit
Sean Payton didn’t mince words postgame, acknowledging the team’s uneven performance while praising their mental toughness.
“Our team a year ago doesn’t win this game,” Payton said. “But this team did. You build some grit. We won the turnover battle again. We were the better team today. We didn’t always play like it, but we’ll get those things cleaned up.”
It’s clear that Payton sees this year’s Broncos as a different group—one capable of overcoming adversity and grinding out wins.
Key Plays That Sealed the Game
Denver’s victory was a collective effort, with critical contributions on both sides of the ball.
- Courtland Sutton’s Heroics: Sutton’s leaping touchdown grab in the third quarter turned the tide, and his 18-yard catch on third-and-10 later set up a field goal.
- Nik Bonitto’s Strip-Sack: Bonitto’s timely sack stalled a Raiders drive, keeping Denver in control.
- Marvin Mims Jr.’s Spark: A 37-yard catch-and-run from the rookie set up a crucial late-game touchdown.
These plays exemplified the Broncos’ ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments.
| Key Stats | Broncos | Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 367 | 315 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Sacks | 4 | 1 |
| Third-Down Efficiency | 7/13 (54%) | 5/12 (42%) |
A New Mindset
The Broncos’ resilience didn’t come overnight. Last season, Denver often faltered in close games, unable to close out opponents. This year, they’re finding ways to win.
Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian credited the team’s mental toughness for Sunday’s victory. “We just kept fighting, didn’t give up, and made some plays [at] the back end of the game,” he said.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton echoed that sentiment, pointing to lessons learned from last season’s struggles. “We know what it’s like to come up short,” Sutton said. “Having those heartaches gives us a different perspective on what it takes to win.”
Raiders’ Resilience Falls Short
While the Raiders showed flashes of potential, they couldn’t sustain their momentum against Denver’s relentless defense.
Chuba Hubbard’s 1-yard touchdown run and successful two-point conversion tied the game in the third quarter, but the Raiders couldn’t capitalize on that momentum. Denver’s defensive pressure, led by Bonitto, stifled their comeback attempts.
Despite the loss, the Raiders remain competitive in divisional matchups, but consistency continues to elude them.
Broncos Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The win over Las Vegas completed a season sweep for the Broncos and solidified their position in the playoff race. With each victory, Denver proves they’re no longer the team that faltered in tight games last year.
As the music poured out of the visiting locker room at Allegiant Stadium, the message was clear: this is a different Broncos team.
“A year ago, we don’t win that game,” Payton said. “It wasn’t our best, but it was good enough. And we’re on to the next one.”
