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That’s what should’ve been said before “Thursday Night Football” in Week 10. The Denver Broncos knocked off the Las Vegas Raiders in an old-fashioned slugfest, 10-7, in the Mile High City.
The Broncos improved their record to 8-2 and are riding a seven-game winning streak into Week 11. Rocking their throwback uniforms, Denver opted to turn back the clock to the old-fashioned defensive brand of football.
They made a living with their pass rush, totaling six sacks and logging even more hits on Geno Smith.
If it wasn’t the defenses, it was the punters that also stole headlines on this night. Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw struggled mightily in the first half for Denver, but his miscues didn’t come back to haunt them. Instead, it was AJ Cole, the better of the two punters, who was the difference.
His blocked punt led to the eventual game-winning field goal, overshadowing what was an excellent game for him.
Both teams showcased some anemic offenses, which might warrant sounding the alarms in Denver. A win’s a win, but Bo Nix and the Broncos are living dangerously – regardless of what their record says.
Here’s how the action unfolded from Denver.
USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the Week 10 ‘TNF’ matchup below. All times are Eastern.
Broncos vs. Raiders instant takeaways
The Broncos’ offense is why Denver won’t win the Super Bowl: Winning heals everything, but this offense is a major problem. It wasn’t a one-off and the sample is big enough at this point. They rarely play with a lead and you can’t keep expecting to win in this fashion – not in the modern NFL. They are 8-2, but it’ll be a quick playoff exit if the offense doesn’t turn it around.
Punters matter too: In a world where everyone goes for it on fourth down or kicks field goals from the parking lot, punters often get swept under the rug. AJ Cole and Jeremy Crawshaw had a significant impact on this game. Crawshaw’s shank helped the Raiders score a touchdown. Cole’s blocked punt helped the Broncos take the lead. Punting does matter.
We don’t know who Bo Nix is: Nix played like a rising star in his rookie season. His sophomore season? Not so much. The turnovers are a problem and it looks like a quarterback that isn’t playing on time. We’ll typically see the final product settle somewhere in the middle, but Nix has taken a step back and it’s fair to wonder if he keeps Denver from reaching its potential.
Raiders overrated their own roster: Vegas finished with nine penalties, one interception, one punt blocked, one missed field goal, one touchdown negated by penalty and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, maybe not that last part, but would it surprise you? The Raiders felt they could’ve challenged for a playoff spot in 2025. In the end, it seems they vastly overrated their roster, which is actually more alarming moving forward.
The Geno Smith experiment should be one-and-done: Regression hit Smith like a freight train in 2025. He has been dishing out interceptions like candy on Halloween and struggling overall. Whether that’s a product of the roster or a sign of things to come is anyone’s guess, but the Raiders need to find some youth at quarterback in the offseason.
Vegas should regret the Ashton Jeanty pick: It’s nothing against Jeanty as a player, but the Raiders can’t put him in the best position to succeed. They don’t have an offensive line. They do have a struggling quarterback. They don’t have many capable receiving options. Chip Kelly hasn’t been a miracle worker and the Jeanty pick would’ve been better used on an offensive lineman. The Vegas roster isn’t in a spot to splurge on luxury.
Bo Nix stats vs. Raiders
16-of-28 (57.1% completion rate)
150 passing yards
1 passing touchdown
2 interceptions
54.2 passer rating
5 rushing attempts
-2 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns
Courtland Sutton stats vs. Raiders
3 receptions (4 targets)
24 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns
Ashton Jeanty stats vs. Broncos
19 rushing attempts
60 rushing yards
1 rushing touchdown
3 receptions (5 targets)
3 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns
Brock Bowers stats vs. Broncos
1 reception (3 targets)
31 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns
Geno Smith stats vs. Broncos
16-of-26 (61.5% completion rate)
143 passing yards
0 passing touchdowns
1 interception
60.3 passer rating
3 rushing attempts
7 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns
Broncos vs. Raiders score: Denver 10, Las Vegas 7
Broncos vs. Raiders highlights
Broncos pick up a few first downs, run out the clock to TNF win
While the offense struggled most of the night, time worked in their favor, as the Broncos managed enough first downs to defeat the rival Raiders. Nix and friends line up in victory formation, kneeling out the clock and improving their record to 8-2.
Daniel Carlson misses 48-yard FG
It almost feels like the NFL changed the rules and declared that the lowest-scoring team wins. Both teams are allergic to points and have no interest in accepting gifts from the other team. True rivals, apparently.
Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal that would’ve tied the game, instead giving Denver the ball with 4:26 to go.
Bo Nix intercepted again
Geno Smith was going into the medical tent again, but Nix tossed another interception thanks to a Troy Franklin drop. Just like that, Smith steered clear of the tent and limped his way back onto the field. Vegas has some good field position. Now we’ll see what they do with it.
Teams continue to trade punts halfway through the fourth quarter
While Smith’s injury has added another layer of intrigue to this game, it continues to be the punters who soak up time in the spotlight. The Raiders punted. The Broncos punted. The Raiders punted again.
We’re down to about eight minutes left in this contest, but neither offense is inspiring any confidence.
Geno Smith injury update
Smith visited the blue medical tent and returned to the game after being evaluated.
The quarterback was injured on a scramble at the beginning of the fourth quarter on ‘Thursday Night Football’ against the Broncos. He was quick to get up, but slowly went back down the turf. He was hit on the knee following a tackle from Nik Bonitto.
Smith did some light jogging on the sidelines after coming out of the tent. He appeared to be working through whatever the ailment is, in an apparent attempt to get back in the game. Vegas was only trailing by three in what was a struggle on offense for both sides. Smith was sacked five times in the first half and has taken plenty of hits.
Pickett came in to replace Smith.
End of third quarter: Broncos lead entering fourth
The quality of play didn’t pick up after halftime, but the Broncos did find a way to break the tie. A blocked punt set them up for that and now they’ll lean on the defense to hold the lead for 15 more minutes.
Broncos vs. Raiders score: Wil Lutz FG gives Denver the lead
With scoring at a premium and the offenses mostly asleep, Denver settles for a 32-yard field goal from Lutz. They take a three-point lead with just five seconds left in the third quarter.
Broncos 10, Raiders 7
Raiders punt blocked, Broncos set up in scoring position
Cole has been magical tonight, but not on that play. The Raiders punter had his latest attempt blocked by JL Skinner, allowing Denver to recover in the red zone. At the very least, a field goal is certainly possible from this spot – even on a night like tonight.
Broncos can’t capitalize on Geno Smith interception
They got a gift and couldn’t take advantage as Crawshaw comes out for yet another punt. This one lands in the end zone and the Raiders offense will go back to work.
Geno Smith intercepted
Dondrea Tillman picks off Smith on the next play after the ball deflects off Jeanty’s face. Denver gets the ball right back, hoping to find some points on this drive.
Wil Lutz misses 59-yard field goal
Denver took 6:46 off the clock and traveled 43 yards in 11 plays. Fittingly, the drive ends with a 59-yard attempt from Lutz, who comes up short. Notably, that try was pushed back because of a designed pass for Courtland Sutton, who took a five-yard loss on the play.
Raiders punt on their first drive of the second half
In a not-so-surprising twist, the Raiders punt it right back to the Broncos. Cole and Crawshaw might need some additional time in the ice bath after the game. In many ways, this is the “Thursday Night Football” experience that fans have become accustomed to.
Broncos open the second half with a punt
The fifth three-and-out of the night ends with another punt from Crawshaw. The fans in attendance finally saw a punt without incident, prompting a Bronx cheer from the restless crowd.
How many sacks do the Broncos have?
Denver has five sacks at halftime against the Raiders. Nik Bonitto has a team-high 1.5 sacks and three QB hits. Talanoa Hufanga, Zach Allen and Malcolm Roach have one sack each.
Broncos vs. Raiders score at halftime: All even after 30 minutes
Vegas was the better team in the first half and had nothing to show for it after 30 minutes. The Broncos found their footing late, tying the score with a Troy Franklin touchdown. When given the opportunity to take the lead, both sides squandered opportunities. For the Raiders, it was a big drop. For the Broncos, an untimely interception.
Denver’s pass rush continues to make its mark, however, totaling five sacks in the opening half. They could be the difference maker in a battle between two anemic offenses.
Bo Nix intercepted by Kyu Blu Kelly
The Broncos wanted it all on that long toss from Nix, but came up empty as Kelly came away with his first career interception. The third-year cornerback now gives his team a chance to regain the lead before the half.
Broncos’ fifth sack of the night forces another Raiders punt
The punters are earning their paychecks tonight, as Cole boots away another. Vegas was unable to answer the Denver score, giving the home team an opportunity to take the lead after the two-minute warning.
Who is the Broncos punter?
The Broncos punter is Jeremy Crawshaw. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by Denver with the 216th overall pick.
Crawshaw is an Australian native and played college football for the Florida Gators from 2020 to 2024. He was the only punter to be selected in the 2025 draft.
Broncos vs. Raiders score: Troy Franklin evens it up
Denver finally found some first downs, which led to a touchdown for Franklin. The Broncos put together the five-play, 53-yard scoring drive in just over three minutes to tie the game. With just 2:41 to go in the half, we have a brand new ballgame.
Broncos 7, Raiders 7
Raiders punt after pass interference wipes out TD
On fourth-and-2, Smith found Tre Tucker for a 31-yard touchdown, but an offensive pass interference penalty takes those points off the board. Instead, the AJ Cole show continues as the punter drops one inside the one to pin Denver for the second time tonight.
The trade deadline has already passed, but the Broncos probably wouldn’t mind trading punters before the second half.
Crawshaw shanks another punt for Denver
Vegas got another stop and forced Crawshaw’s third punt of the night. Fortunately for the Raiders, he is the guy they want to see right now. He managed another ugly boot, but managed to get 36 yards out of that punt. The rookie has negative style points through the first quarter-plus.
Broncos defense forces Raiders punt
Denver was able to get to Geno Smith on third down, forcing another punt from AJ Cole. Bo Nix and the offense go back to work at their own 33.
End of first quarter: Raiders lead after 15 minutes
The Raiders are the team that played an overtime game in Week 9, but they are off to a fast start in the Mile High City. They’ll take a 7-0 lead into the second quarter and look to overcome a Jack Bech holding penalty that wiped out a 32-yard run from Jeanty.
Denver comes up empty on second drive
The Broncos might be 7-2, but they don’t look like it in the early going. Another three-and-out forces a second punt in as many drives from Jeremy Crawshaw. This punt is much better, however, and a penalty backed up the Raiders even further.
It’s a big drive upcoming for the Denver defense, since they’ve been on the field for almost the entire opening quarter.
Broncos vs. Raiders score: Ashton Jeanty TD puts Vegas on top early
The Raiders take advantage of the field position and jump out to the early lead courtesy of a Jeanty touchdown. It’s the rookie’s sixth touchdown of the season and, more importantly, gives the Raiders something to show for their dominant effort thus far.
Vegas has controlled the clock in the early going, controlling possession for nearly 10 of the game’s first 12 minutes. So far, the visitors don’t look like a team that many thought would be tired.
Raiders 7, Broncos 0
Broncos punt on opening drive
Backed up in their own end, Denver can’t muster up a first down after JK Dobbins was stuffed on third down. An ugly 30-yard punt gifts the Raiders excellent field position on their second drive.
Raiders punt on opening drive
Vegas showed an ability to move the ball on their first series, picking up a pair of first downs before Geno Smith was sacked. It was another tough series for Ashton Jeanty, who continues to find life difficult on the ground.
He finished with three carries for just eight yards. On the bright side, Smith completed all three pass attempts, so perhaps the offense can feel good after that start. It also helps that AJ Cole pinned Denver at their own two, making life increasingly difficult for Bo Nix and co.
Broncos uniforms today
The Broncos are rocking their 1977-inspired throwbacks on “Thursday Night Football.”
Better known as the “Orange Crush” uniforms, they are a fan favorite and look incredible under the bright lights of prime time football. There are no half measures for Denver either. They also included the throwback logo at midfield and painted the end zones to match.
What channel is Broncos vs. Raiders?
TV channel (national): N/A
TV channel (Las Vegas market): ABC 13
TV channel (Denver market): ABC 7
The Week 10 matchup between the Broncos and Raiders will not air on cable, as it’s a streaming-only event. Viewers in the Denver market can tune to ABC 7, while those in Las Vegas can tune to ABC 13.
What time is Broncos vs. Raiders game tonight?
Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 5:15 p.m. PT
The Broncos and Raiders will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, the customary start time for ‘TNF.’ The Raiders travel to Empower Field at Mile High Stadium for the matchup.
Broncos vs. Raiders live stream
Live stream:Amazon Prime Video (national) | Fubo (local)
A national viewing audience will need to turn to Amazon Prime Video for the matchup, the home of ‘Thursday Night Football.’ Al Michaels will be on the call, flanked by Kirk Herbstreit. Kaylee Hartung will provide updates from the sideline.
In-market viewers can turn to Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with a Prime Video subscription
Broncos vs. Raiders prediction
The Broncos are flying a mile high right now: Entering Thursday night on a six-game winning streak has put Denver at the top of the division. While Sean Payton has fostered a reputation for his dominating offenses, the defense has led the way this season, which should give Geno Smith and his league-leading 11 interceptions fits on Thursday night. Logic says the Broncos the win at home in a rout.
Prediction: Broncos 27, Raiders 13
Broncos vs. Raiders live betting odds, moneyline, O/U
Broncos inactives vs. Raiders
Raiders inactives vs. Broncos
AFC West standings: Week 10
Denver Broncos (7-2)
Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)
Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
AFC West odds: Week 10
All odds according to BetMGM Sportsbook as of Nov. 6.
Denver Broncos: +125
Kansas City Chiefs: +130
Los Angeles Chargers: +400
Las Vegas Raiders: +50000
Despite a 5-4 record and a third-place spot in the AFC West standings, the Chiefs are barely trailing the 7-2 Broncos in odds to win the division title.
Jakobi Meyers trade details
Jaguars get: WR Jakobi Meyers
Raiders get: Higher of Jaguars’ two fourth-round picks, sixth-round pick
Raiders WR depth chart
Tre Tucker
Tyler Lockett
Jack Bech
Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Alex Bachman
Tucker, a former third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is the new top receiver on the Raiders’ depth chart. Tucker already leads all Las Vegas pass-catchers in receiving yards (427), touchdowns (4), 20+ yard receiving plays (6) and receiving first downs (19).
Lockett is the newest addition to the Raiders’ receivers corps. The 11th-year wideout began the season with the Tennessee Titans and requested – and was granted – his release after Week 7. Lockett had 10 catches for 70 yards in seven games with Tennessee. He signed with Las Vegas before Week 9’s game against the Jaguars and had one target in his Raiders debut on Nov. 2.
Bech and Thornton are the two rookies the Raiders drafted earlier this year – the former in the second round and the latter in the fourth. Thornton has more targets (19) and yards (94) between the two, but Bech has more catches (7). – Jack McKessy
Broncos vs. Raiders injury report
Broncos 2025 schedule
Raiders 2025 schedule
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NFL MVP odds
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