The Denver Broncos play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14. It’s the second matchup between the two teams this season. The Broncos, meanwhile, are on a nine-game winning streak. That said, we all know the outlier outcome in Week 14 is the Raiders winning. But let’s look at how the Broncos down the Raiders this week.
How the Broncos Defeat the Raiders
The Raiders’ defense is middle of the pack in yards per game allowed thus far (323.3), but they are allowing the seventh-most points per game to opposing offenses. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, meanwhile, is coming off consecutive 300-plus scrimmage-yard games. But he has just one touchdown and an interception to match the yardage.
Nix is ready to explode in Week 14. In addition, he’s totaled 35-plus pass attempts in three of his past five games, including two in a row. And with running back J.K. Dobbins’ injury, and fellow running back RJ Harvey’s inefficiency, Nix’s pass attempts will stay at the 35-plus pass attempt threshold. The Raiders’ defense is allowing 212.5 passing yards per game. Expect Nix to best that in Week 14. Now, to the defense.
“The defense is a huge reason (Broncos win). … That unit ranks first in the NFL in a number of metrics and is on pace to tie the single-season sacks record set by the 1984 Bears (72). It’s loaded with playmakers, including Nik Bonitto (10.5 sacks) and Zach Allen (NFL-high 31 QB hits) up front and Patrick Surtain II, who returned from injury last week, on the back end. Right now, outside of Brock Bowers, there’s not much to be inspired about,” NFL.com’s Brooke Cersosimo wrote.
The Broncos’ defense is No.2 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Score, while the Raiders’ offense is No. 30 in PFSN’s Offense Impact Score. The Raiders’ defense is No. 23 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Score as well, paving the way for Nix to explode.
Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, meanwhile, totals a league-leading 14 interceptions, while the Raiders’ offense ranks dead last in rushing yards per game (so much for the Ashon Jeanty breakout). The Raiders’ offense is averaging fewer than 15 points per game as well. Cersosimo has the Broncos winning in Week 14, 27-17.