The Denver Broncos won their 10th straight game after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 24-17 Sunday.
Denver moved to 11-2 and Las Vegas moved to 2-11. Both teams are on complete opposite sides of the spectrum, with the Broncos en route to their first division crown since 2015 and the Raiders eliminated from playoff contention.
Denver’s win over the Raiders accomplished more than just extending the winning streak.
“The Broncos improved to 11-2 -- tied for the best record in the AFC -- and earned their 10th consecutive win,” ESPN’s Jeff Legwold wrote Monday. “They also claimed the tiebreaker over the Patriots if the Broncos and New England finish the season with the same record. The Raiders defeated the Patriots in Week 1, and the Broncos' sweep of the Raiders gives Denver a better record against common opponents. So, though the Broncos didn't clinch a postseason spot Sunday, they put themselves on the inside track for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.”
Every game matters down the stretch and the Broncos are in the driver’s seat of what could be a No. 1-seeded finish.
This was a far better game than in Week 10 when these teams met on Thursday Night Football. That game was difficult to watch from both sides and the final score was 10-7, with the Raiders’ lone touchdown coming early in the game.
This matchup just looked much different, and the Broncos offense took care of business in what could have been a trap game had they not taken the Raiders seriously.
Quarterback Bo Nix was surgical, completing 31 of 38 passes for 212 yards. He added three carries for 15 yards and a touchdown.
“It was clear Bo Nix wasn't going to challenge a Raiders secondary intent on keeping everything in front of it or give Maxx Crosby too many chances to hit him. But a patient, efficient Nix went 31-of-38 and completed passes to 11 players. His longest completion was 15 yards through the first three quarters, and he was sacked once with no turnovers. The Broncos had three scoring drives of at least 80 yards, including a 19-play, 90-yard field goal drive that consumed most of the fourth quarter.”
Nix must continue to stay calm in the pocket, because when his footwork is disrupted by pressure, he tends to lose his accuracy and become a bit erratic with the football.
The Broncos have a huge test in Week 15 when they take on the Green Bay Packers in what should be an epic game.