Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats
The Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos match player stats reveal how a defensive battle, quarterback struggles, and a crucial special teams play shaped Denver’s narrow 10-7 victory over Las Vegas. The AFC West matchup was a difficult night for both offenses, as neither team managed to establish consistent passing production or generate many scoring opportunities. Denver ultimately secured the win through defensive pressure, disciplined rushing, and an important third-quarter field goal.
The game featured several notable individual performances. Ashton Jeanty scored the Raiders’ only touchdown and finished with 60 rushing yards. Geno Smith completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards but threw an interception and was sacked six times. On the opposite side, Bo Nix threw for 150 yards and one touchdown while also recording two interceptions. Troy Franklin caught Denver’s only touchdown, while J.K. Dobbins led the Broncos in rushing with 77 yards.
Although the final score was close, the defensive statistics highlighted Denver’s advantage. The Broncos recorded six sacks and consistently disrupted the Raiders’ passing game. Las Vegas also created opportunities with two interceptions, but its offense struggled to convert those defensive contributions into points.
This breakdown examines the quarterback performances, rushing production, receiving statistics, defensive contributions, turnovers, and important moments that determined the result. It also explains what the individual numbers reveal about each team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 10-7 in a closely contested AFC West matchup played at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver improved to 8-2, while Las Vegas dropped to 2-7 following another difficult divisional result.
The Raiders started aggressively and scored the opening touchdown in the first quarter. However, Denver responded before halftime and added a field goal in the third quarter. Neither team scored during the final period.
The most important difference was Denver’s ability to pressure the opposing quarterback. The Broncos generated six sacks, compared with two recorded by the Raiders. That pressure limited Geno Smith’s opportunities to establish an effective passing rhythm.
Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Results
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Denver Broncos | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
The scoring pattern shows how quickly the contest developed into a defensive struggle.
Las Vegas took a 7-0 lead during the opening quarter through Ashton Jeanty’s four-yard rushing touchdown. Daniel Carlson converted the extra point, giving the Raiders an early advantage.
Denver answered in the second quarter. Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin for a seven-yard touchdown pass, and Wil Lutz converted the extra point to tie the score at 7-7.
The decisive points arrived in the third quarter when Lutz converted a 32-yard field goal. Denver maintained its 10-7 advantage throughout the fourth quarter.
Important Game Information
| Category | Details |
| Matchup | Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos |
| Sport | National Football League |
| Season | 2025 |
| Competition | AFC West |
| Game Week | Week 10 |
| Game Date | November 6, 2025, local game date |
| Stadium | Empower Field at Mile High |
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Final Score | Broncos 10, Raiders 7 |
| Winning Team | Denver Broncos |
| Losing Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Raiders Record | 2-7 |
| Broncos Record | 8-2 |
| Game Status | Final |
Date clarification: The supplied ESPN page displays November 7, 2025, while the teams’ official game information identifies the Thursday night contest as November 6 in Denver. The game is the Week 10 matchup.
Quarterback Performance: Geno Smith vs Bo Nix
Quarterback performance was one of the most important factors in this game. Both teams struggled to move the football consistently, and neither quarterback produced a particularly efficient passing performance.
Geno Smith and Bo Nix finished with similar completion totals. Smith completed 16 of 26 attempts, while Nix completed 16 of 28. However, the difference in their touchdown and interception numbers influenced the final outcome.
Denver received one passing touchdown from Nix, while Smith failed to produce a passing touchdown for Las Vegas.
Geno Smith’s Passing Statistics
Geno Smith entered the matchup as the Raiders’ primary quarterback and attempted to guide the offense against an aggressive Denver defense.
His passing numbers were:
| Statistic | Geno Smith |
| Completions | 16 |
| Attempts | 26 |
| Completion Percentage | 61.5% |
| Passing Yards | 143 |
| Average Yards per Attempt | 5.5 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Times Sacked | 6 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 29 |
| QBR | 11.0 |
| Passer Rating | 60.3 |
Smith completed 61.5% of his passes, but his average of 5.5 yards per attempt demonstrated how difficult it was for the Raiders to generate consistent passing gains.
His 143 passing yards were not enough to create the scoring opportunities Las Vegas needed. The absence of a passing touchdown also placed additional responsibility on the running game.
The biggest problem was Denver’s pass rush. Smith was sacked six times for a combined loss of 29 yards. Those negative plays repeatedly pushed Las Vegas into difficult situations and made it harder to sustain drives.
Smith also threw one interception. Although the Raiders had some success moving the football through short and intermediate passes, they struggled to produce explosive offensive sequences.
His performance illustrates an important distinction between completion percentage and overall quarterback effectiveness. Completing more than 60% of passes does not necessarily indicate a productive game when those completions produce limited yardage and the quarterback faces repeated pressure.
Kenny Pickett’s Contribution
Kenny Pickett also appeared in the Raiders’ passing statistics.
| Statistic | Kenny Pickett |
| Completions | 0 |
| Attempts | 1 |
| Passing Yards | 0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| QBR | 3.6 |
| Passer Rating | 39.6 |
Pickett attempted one pass without completing it. His statistical contribution was limited, and Smith remained responsible for the majority of Las Vegas’ passing production.
Bo Nix’s Passing Statistics
Bo Nix delivered Denver’s only passing touchdown, connecting with Troy Franklin for a seven-yard score in the second quarter.
His passing numbers included:
| Statistic | Bo Nix |
| Completions | 16 |
| Attempts | 28 |
| Completion Percentage | 57.1% |
| Passing Yards | 150 |
| Average Yards per Attempt | 5.4 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Times Sacked | 1 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 9 |
| QBR | 25.5 |
| Passer Rating | 54.2 |
Nix finished with 150 passing yards, slightly more than Smith. He also recorded one touchdown, which helped Denver level the score before halftime.
However, his two interceptions were significant problems. Those turnovers prevented the Broncos from building a comfortable lead and gave the Raiders opportunities to remain competitive.
Nix was not particularly efficient throughout the game. His completion percentage was 57.1%, and his passer rating of 54.2 reflected the difficulty of producing consistent offensive results.
Despite those weaknesses, he delivered the touchdown pass that brought Denver back into the contest.
Quarterback Comparison
| Category | Geno Smith | Bo Nix |
| Completions | 16 | 16 |
| Attempts | 26 | 28 |
| Passing Yards | 143 | 150 |
| Completion Percentage | 61.5% | 57.1% |
| Touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 2 |
| Sacks | 6 | 1 |
| QBR | 11.0 | 25.5 |
| Passer Rating | 60.3 | 54.2 |
The comparison highlights two different quarterback challenges.
Smith was more accurate by completion percentage, but Denver’s defensive pressure made his job extremely difficult. Nix produced the more important scoring contribution but made two costly mistakes.
Neither quarterback controlled the game consistently. Denver’s ability to create pressure and score the winning points ultimately made the difference.
Rushing Statistics: Ashton Jeanty and J.K. Dobbins Lead Their Teams
The running game played an important role in keeping both offenses competitive.
Las Vegas relied heavily on rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, while Denver used J.K. Dobbins as its primary rushing option.
Both players recorded meaningful workloads, but their contributions were different. Jeanty scored the Raiders’ only touchdown, while Dobbins produced the highest rushing yardage total in the matchup.
Las Vegas Raiders Rushing Leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | Longest Run | TD |
| Ashton Jeanty | 19 | 60 | 3.2 | 10 | 1 |
| Tre Tucker | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 0 |
| Geno Smith | 3 | 7 | 2.3 | 6 | 0 |
| Raheem Mostert | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 0 |
| Brock Bowers | 1 | -4 | -4.0 | -4 | 0 |
| Team Total | 25 | 74 | 3.0 | 10 | 1 |
Ashton Jeanty was the clear leader in the Raiders’ rushing attack.
He carried the football 19 times for 60 yards and averaged 3.2 yards per attempt. More importantly, he scored the team’s only touchdown.
Jeanty’s contribution was particularly valuable because Las Vegas struggled to generate consistent passing production.
His four-yard touchdown run gave the Raiders an early lead and demonstrated the importance of establishing a reliable rushing option in a difficult road matchup.
However, his overall average also shows that Denver’s defense limited his effectiveness. Jeanty received a substantial workload but did not regularly produce large gains.
Tre Tucker added seven rushing yards on one attempt, while Smith contributed seven yards on three carries.
Raheem Mostert recorded four rushing yards, and Brock Bowers finished with a negative four-yard rushing attempt.
The Raiders finished with 74 rushing yards on 25 carries, averaging 3.0 yards per attempt.
Denver Broncos Rushing Leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Average | Longest Run | TD |
| J.K. Dobbins | 18 | 77 | 4.3 | 13 | 0 |
| RJ Harvey | 4 | 9 | 2.3 | 7 | 0 |
| Bo Nix | 5 | -2 | -0.4 | 1 | 0 |
| Team Total | 27 | 84 | 3.1 | 13 | 0 |
J.K. Dobbins led Denver’s rushing attack with 77 yards on 18 attempts.
His average of 4.3 yards per carry was higher than Jeanty’s 3.2-yard average. Dobbins also recorded the longest rushing play of the game among the listed primary running backs, gaining 13 yards.
Although Dobbins did not score a rushing touchdown, his production helped Denver maintain offensive balance.
RJ Harvey added nine rushing yards on four attempts. Nix contributed negative two rushing yards on five carries.
Denver finished with 84 team rushing yards, compared with 74 for Las Vegas.
Rushing Comparison
The Broncos held a small statistical advantage in rushing production.
| Category | Raiders | Broncos |
| Rushing Attempts | 25 | 27 |
| Rushing Yards | 74 | 84 |
| Yards per Carry | 3.0 | 3.1 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Longest Run | 10 | 13 |
The numbers show that Denver produced ten more rushing yards than Las Vegas.
However, Jeanty’s touchdown gave the Raiders an important scoring advantage during the first quarter.
Dobbins’ more efficient rushing performance helped Denver control the ground game without requiring a rushing touchdown.
Receiving Statistics: Which Players Made the Biggest Impact?
Receiving production was another important part of the matchup.
Neither team produced a particularly explosive passing attack, but several receivers made valuable contributions.
For Las Vegas, Tyler Lockett led the team in receptions and receiving yards. Brock Bowers also produced an important 31-yard reception.
Denver received its biggest individual receiving contribution from Pat Bryant, while Troy Franklin delivered the touchdown reception that tied the game.
Las Vegas Raiders Receiving Leaders
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving Yards | Average | Longest | TD |
| Tyler Lockett | 5 | 6 | 44 | 8.8 | 19 | 0 |
| Brock Bowers | 1 | 3 | 31 | 31.0 | 31 | 0 |
| Tre Tucker | 2 | 3 | 28 | 14.0 | 25 | 0 |
| Michael Mayer | 3 | 4 | 22 | 7.3 | 11 | 0 |
| Raheem Mostert | 1 | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 11 | 0 |
| Dont’e Thornton Jr. | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 | 0 |
| Ashton Jeanty | 3 | 5 | 3 | 1.0 | 6 | 0 |
| Jack Bech | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Tyler Lockett was the Raiders’ most productive receiver.
He caught five passes on six targets for 44 yards. His involvement provided Smith with a dependable option, particularly when the Broncos applied pressure.
Brock Bowers produced one of the most notable individual receiving plays for Las Vegas. He finished with 31 yards on one reception, averaging 31.0 yards per catch.
Although Bowers had limited involvement in terms of total receptions, his ability to generate a significant gain demonstrated his value as a receiving threat.
Tre Tucker added 28 yards on two catches. His longest reception covered 25 yards, making him another important contributor in the Raiders’ passing attack.
Michael Mayer caught three passes for 22 yards, providing another short-range option.
Raheem Mostert recorded one reception for 11 yards, while Dont’e Thornton Jr. finished with four receiving yards.
Jeanty caught three passes but produced only three receiving yards. This limited receiving contribution, combined with his rushing workload, shows how much responsibility he carried in the Raiders’ offensive system.
The most noticeable weakness was the absence of a receiving touchdown. Las Vegas needed another scoring contribution from its passing game, but Denver’s defense prevented that from happening.
Denver Broncos Receiving Leaders
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving Yards | Average | Longest | TD |
| Pat Bryant | 1 | 2 | 43 | 43.0 | 43 | 0 |
| Troy Franklin | 5 | 9 | 40 | 8.0 | 18 | 1 |
| Courtland Sutton | 3 | 4 | 24 | 8.0 | 14 | 0 |
| Adam Prentice | 1 | 1 | 13 | 13.0 | 13 | 0 |
| Evan Engram | 2 | 5 | 12 | 6.0 | 7 | 0 |
| RJ Harvey | 2 | 3 | 9 | 4.5 | 7 | 0 |
| J.K. Dobbins | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 7 | 0 |
| Adam Trautman | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 |
Pat Bryant led the Broncos in receiving yards despite recording only one reception.
His 43-yard catch was Denver’s longest reception of the game and provided a significant contribution to the passing attack.
Troy Franklin was the most important receiver in terms of scoring.
He caught five passes for 40 yards and recorded Denver’s only receiving touchdown. His seven-yard touchdown reception from Nix tied the game in the second quarter.
Franklin’s nine targets were the highest among the listed Denver receivers. That involvement demonstrates the trust placed in him during an important divisional matchup.
Courtland Sutton finished with three receptions for 24 yards, while Evan Engram caught two passes for 12 yards.
Adam Prentice added 13 receiving yards, and RJ Harvey contributed nine yards through two receptions.
J.K. Dobbins also recorded one reception for seven yards.
Denver’s receiving production was spread across several players, but Franklin’s touchdown was the most significant individual contribution.
Receiving Comparison
| Category | Raiders | Broncos |
| Team Receptions | 16 | 16 |
| Team Receiving Yards | 143 | 150 |
| Average per Reception | 8.9 | 9.4 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Longest Reception | 31 | 43 |
Denver finished with seven more receiving yards than Las Vegas.
Both teams recorded 16 receptions, but the Broncos generated a longer explosive play through Bryant and received a touchdown from Franklin.
That scoring difference was particularly important in a game where offensive opportunities were limited.
Defensive Player Stats: The Broncos Control the Game
Defense was the defining factor in Denver’s victory.
The Broncos recorded six sacks and consistently placed pressure on Geno Smith. Their defensive front made it difficult for Las Vegas to establish passing rhythm or develop longer offensive drives.
The Raiders also had several important defensive performances. Kyu Blu Kelly recorded two interceptions, while Charles Snowden contributed a sack.
However, Denver’s overall pass-rushing production and ability to protect its narrow lead proved decisive.
Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Leaders
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks | TFL | Passes Defended |
| Jeremy Chinn | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Devin White | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Charles Snowden | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Maxx Crosby | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Jeremy Chinn led the Raiders’ listed defensive players with nine total tackles.
His involvement was important because Denver used a balanced offensive approach involving both rushing and passing plays.
Devin White finished with seven tackles, including four solo tackles. His contribution helped Las Vegas remain competitive defensively.
Charles Snowden produced one of the Raiders’ most notable defensive performances. He recorded one sack, one tackle for loss, one pass defended, and two quarterback hits.
Maxx Crosby finished with five total tackles.
Although Crosby’s listed statistical production was limited in this game, his presence remained part of a defensive unit that managed to create pressure and record two team sacks.
The Raiders recorded 60 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss, four passes defended, and four quarterback hits.
Denver Broncos Defensive Leaders
| Player | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Sacks | TFL | Passes Defended | QB Hits |
| Talanoa Hufanga | 9 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Alex Singleton | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nik Bonitto | 5 | 4 | 1.5 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Brandon Jones | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Riley Moss | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Talanoa Hufanga and Alex Singleton shared the lead among Denver’s listed defenders with nine total tackles each.
Hufanga also recorded one sack, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit. His performance demonstrated his ability to contribute both against the run and when pressuring the quarterback.
Nik Bonitto was particularly effective as a pass rusher.
He finished with five total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits.
His ability to disrupt the pocket contributed to Denver’s defensive advantage.
Brandon Jones and Riley Moss each recorded five tackles, providing additional support to a defense that consistently limited the Raiders’ offensive opportunities.
Denver’s team defense finished with 69 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, six sacks, five tackles for loss, three passes defended, and 11 quarterback hits.
Defensive Comparison
| Defensive Category | Raiders | Broncos |
| Total Tackles | 60 | 69 |
| Solo Tackles | 32 | 35 |
| Sacks | 2 | 6 |
| Tackles for Loss | 4 | 5 |
| Passes Defended | 4 | 3 |
| Quarterback Hits | 4 | 11 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
The biggest difference was quarterback pressure.
Denver recorded four more sacks and seven more quarterback hits than Las Vegas.
That advantage helped the Broncos control the passing game and limited Smith’s ability to develop plays downfield.
The defensive numbers also explain why a game featuring two quarterbacks with more than 140 individual passing yards still produced only 17 combined points.
Interceptions and Turnovers: Important Defensive Contributions
Turnovers were another important part of the matchup.
Both teams created opportunities through interceptions, but neither offense consistently converted those opportunities into points.
Las Vegas recorded two defensive interceptions, while Denver recorded one. The quarterback passing statistics also show that Smith threw one interception and Nix threw two.
Raiders Interception Leaders
Kyu Blu Kelly was the standout player in the Raiders’ interception statistics.
| Player | Interceptions | Return Yards | Defensive TD |
| Kyu Blu Kelly | 2 | 26 | 0 |
| Team Total | 2 | 26 | 0 |
Kelly’s two interceptions represented an important defensive contribution.
Creating multiple takeaways against an opponent with a winning record gave Las Vegas opportunities to change the direction of the game.
However, the Raiders could not turn those opportunities into enough offensive production to overcome Denver’s advantage.
Broncos Interception Leaders
| Player | Interceptions | Return Yards | Defensive TD |
| Dondrea Tillman | 1 | 23 | 0 |
| Team Total | 1 | 23 | 0 |
Dondrea Tillman recorded Denver’s defensive interception.
His 23-yard return provided a valuable contribution, while the takeaway helped the Broncos maintain control during an important stage of the game.
The defensive interception numbers should be read alongside the quarterback statistics. Nix’s two interceptions and Smith’s one interception explain the individual passing turnovers, while Kelly and Tillman represent the defensive players credited with interceptions.
Fumble Statistics
| Team | Player | Fumbles | Lost | Recovered |
| Raiders | AJ Cole | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Raiders | Ashton Jeanty | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Broncos | Team | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Las Vegas recorded two fumbles but did not lose either one according to the supplied team statistics.
The Broncos did not record a fumble.
This detail is important because turnovers do not always result from interceptions. Ball security can also determine field position and offensive opportunities.
Special Teams Statistics: Kicking and Punting
Special teams played an important role in a game where offensive scoring was limited.
Denver received four points from Wil Lutz, including the decisive 32-yard field goal. Las Vegas received one extra point from Daniel Carlson after Jeanty’s touchdown.
Kicking Comparison
| Statistic | Daniel Carlson | Wil Lutz |
| Field Goals Made | 0 | 1 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 1 | 2 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 0% | 50% |
| Longest Field Goal | 0 | 32 yards |
| Extra Points Made | 1 | 1 |
| Total Points | 1 | 4 |
Carlson converted his extra-point attempt but missed his field-goal opportunity.
Lutz converted one of two field-goal attempts and successfully completed his extra point.
His third-quarter 32-yard field goal proved to be the winning score.
In a game where neither offense could consistently reach the end zone, that successful kick carried significant importance.
Punting Statistics
| Statistic | AJ Cole | Jeremy Crawshaw |
| Punts | 7 | 7 |
| Total Punting Yards | 299 | 293 |
| Average | 42.7 | 41.9 |
| Longest Punt | 48 | 54 |
| Touchbacks | 1 | 1 |
| Inside 20 | 3 | 0 |
Both punters recorded seven punts.
AJ Cole averaged 42.7 yards per punt, slightly higher than Jeremy Crawshaw’s 41.9-yard average.
Cole also placed three punts inside the 20-yard line, helping the Raiders improve their field-position position during several defensive sequences.
Crawshaw produced the longest punt of the matchup at 54 yards.
However, the most important special teams moment was not a successful punt. Denver’s blocked punt created a valuable field-position opportunity that helped set up the winning field goal.
Kick and Punt Returns
| Team | Player | Return Type | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Raiders | Dylan Laube | Kick | 1 | 28 | 28.0 |
| Broncos | RJ Harvey | Kick | 2 | 35 | 17.5 |
| Raiders | Alex Bachman | Punt | 3 | 2 | 0.7 |
| Broncos | Michael Bandy | Punt | 1 | -1 | -1.0 |
Dylan Laube produced 28 yards on his single kick return for Las Vegas.
RJ Harvey recorded 35 yards on two kick returns for Denver.
Alex Bachman handled the Raiders’ punt-return responsibilities and recorded three returns for two yards.
Michael Bandy returned one punt for Denver, finishing with negative one yard.
Although the return numbers were not particularly impressive, field position remained an important factor throughout the contest.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
The final score was determined by several important moments rather than one dominant offensive performance.
Both teams had opportunities to create separation, but Denver made better use of its scoring opportunities.
First Quarter: Ashton Jeanty Gives Las Vegas the Lead
The Raiders started the game with an important scoring drive.
Ashton Jeanty finished the possession with a four-yard rushing touchdown. Daniel Carlson converted the extra point, giving Las Vegas a 7-0 lead.
The opening score allowed the Raiders to establish an early advantage and put pressure on Denver to respond.
Jeanty’s touchdown also became the only scoring contribution from the Las Vegas offense.
Second Quarter: Bo Nix Connects With Troy Franklin
Denver responded during the second quarter.
Bo Nix found Troy Franklin for a seven-yard touchdown pass. Wil Lutz added the extra point, bringing the score to 7-7.
This was an important moment because Denver needed to avoid entering halftime behind.
Franklin’s touchdown demonstrated the value of converting a limited passing opportunity into points.
Third Quarter: Denver Takes the Lead
The third quarter produced the game’s decisive scoring moment.
Denver’s special teams unit blocked an AJ Cole punt, giving the Broncos a favorable field position opportunity.
Although the offense did not produce another touchdown, Wil Lutz converted a 32-yard field goal to give Denver a 10-7 lead.
That score proved sufficient for the victory.
Fourth Quarter: Denver Protects Its Advantage
Neither team scored during the final quarter.
The Broncos relied on their defense to protect the three-point advantage, while the Raiders struggled to produce the offensive momentum needed to equalize.
Denver’s ability to maintain pressure and prevent another scoring drive became the final difference.
The fourth-quarter performance demonstrated how important defensive consistency can be when protecting a narrow lead.
Team Statistics Comparison: Raiders vs Broncos
The overall team numbers provide a clearer explanation of Denver’s victory.
Although the final score was only three points apart, Denver finished with more total offensive yards and stronger defensive pressure.
| Team Statistic | Raiders | Broncos |
| Total Net Yards | 188 | 220 |
| Rushing Yards | 74 | 84 |
| Net Passing Yards | 114 | 136 |
| Passing Completions | 16 | 16 |
| Passing Attempts | 27 | 28 |
| Passing Interceptions Thrown | 1 | 2 |
| Rushing Attempts | 25 | 27 |
| Team Sacks | 2 | 6 |
| Punts | 7 | 7 |
| Field Goals Made | 0 | 1 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Final Points | 7 | 10 |
Denver produced 220 total net yards, compared with 188 for Las Vegas.
The difference of 32 yards was not enormous, but it reflected Denver’s slightly more productive offense.
Both teams finished with 16 completed passes. Denver had more net passing yards and more rushing yards.
The most significant difference was the number of sacks allowed by the Raiders.
Las Vegas surrendered six sacks, compared with two allowed by Denver. This affected offensive efficiency and repeatedly placed the Raiders in difficult situations.
Understanding the Passing Yard Differences
One detail deserves clarification when comparing the passing statistics.
The individual quarterback passing figures list 143 yards for Geno Smith and 150 yards for Bo Nix. The team passing figures show 114 yards for Las Vegas and 136 yards for Denver.
These numbers are not necessarily contradictory.
The individual quarterback figures represent gross passing yards, while the team passing totals represent net passing yards after sack losses.
For Las Vegas, 143 gross passing yards minus 29 sack yards equals 114 net passing yards.
For Denver, 150 gross passing yards minus 14 sack yards equals 136 net passing yards.
This distinction is important when reading NFL box scores because team net passing yards provide a better picture of the offense’s overall passing production after accounting for sacks.
Why Did the Denver Broncos Win?
Denver’s victory was built around three major advantages: defensive pressure, slightly better offensive production, and successful special teams execution.
The Broncos did not dominate the game offensively. Their quarterback threw two interceptions, and the offense struggled to produce consistent scoring opportunities.
However, the defense consistently prevented Las Vegas from developing a productive passing attack.
1. Denver’s Pass Rush Changed the Game
The six sacks recorded by Denver were one of the most important statistical differences.
Geno Smith was under pressure throughout the game, and the Raiders struggled to protect him.
Repeated sacks can have several negative effects on an offense:
- They reduce total offensive yardage.
- They create longer third-down situations.
- They disrupt the timing of passing plays.
- They increase the likelihood of turnovers.
- They make it harder to maintain possession.
Denver benefited from all these factors.
The defense did not need to record multiple defensive touchdowns or generate an overwhelming number of interceptions. Consistent pressure was enough to limit the Raiders’ scoring opportunities.
2. Denver Had More Balanced Offensive Production
The Broncos finished with 84 rushing yards and 136 net passing yards.
Their offensive production was not particularly impressive, but it was slightly more balanced than Las Vegas’ output.
J.K. Dobbins produced 77 rushing yards, while Nix completed the touchdown pass to Franklin.
This balance helped Denver maintain offensive flexibility.
Las Vegas relied heavily on Jeanty, who accounted for 60 of the team’s 74 rushing yards.
Although Jeanty performed well, the Raiders needed more production from their passing attack.
3. Special Teams Created the Winning Opportunity
Denver’s blocked punt was one of the most important plays of the matchup.
The special teams unit created a favorable field position opportunity, allowing the Broncos to move into scoring range.
Lutz then converted the 32-yard field goal.
Without that successful kick, the game could have ended differently.
Special teams often receive less attention than quarterbacks and defensive stars, but this matchup demonstrated how one blocked punt can influence the result of an entire game.
4. Denver Protected Its Fourth-Quarter Lead
The Broncos entered the final quarter with a three-point advantage.
Instead of allowing the Raiders to generate a successful comeback, Denver’s defense maintained pressure and prevented another scoring drive.
The final quarter was particularly important because Las Vegas needed only a field goal to tie the game.
Denver’s ability to preserve its advantage demonstrated the value of defensive execution in close divisional contests.
Why Did the Las Vegas Raiders Lose?
The Raiders had several positive individual performances, particularly from Jeanty and Lockett.
Their defense also created opportunities through interceptions.
However, the offense could not produce enough points to take advantage of those contributions.
1. The Offensive Line Struggled Against Denver
Allowing six sacks is a major problem for any NFL offense.
The Raiders struggled to protect Smith, and Denver repeatedly disrupted passing plays before they could develop.
The pressure also affected the team’s ability to establish longer drives.
When a quarterback is repeatedly forced into difficult situations, the offense becomes less predictable and less efficient.
2. The Passing Game Failed to Produce a Touchdown
Smith finished with 143 passing yards but did not throw a touchdown.
The Raiders also failed to generate a consistent explosive passing attack.
Lockett led the team with 44 receiving yards, while Bowers contributed 31 yards on one reception.
Those individual performances were useful, but the overall passing production was not enough to defeat Denver.
3. Jeanty Needed More Offensive Support
Ashton Jeanty scored the Raiders’ only touchdown and finished with 60 rushing yards.
His performance was one of the few consistent offensive positives.
However, relying heavily on one running back can make an offense easier to defend, especially when the passing game is struggling.
Denver limited the overall rushing average to 3.0 yards per carry and prevented Las Vegas from building a productive ground attack beyond Jeanty’s touchdown contribution.
4. The Raiders Could Not Convert Opportunities Into Points
Las Vegas produced two defensive interceptions and remained close throughout the game.
However, creating turnovers is only one part of winning football games.
The offense must turn those opportunities into points.
The Raiders finished without another touchdown after their first-quarter score. That lack of scoring production ultimately cost them the opportunity to secure a road victory.
What the Player Statistics Reveal About Both Teams
The individual numbers reveal several important lessons about the performance of both franchises.
For Denver, the game demonstrated that a strong defense can compensate for an inefficient offense.
The Broncos did not need a high-scoring performance from Nix. They needed enough offensive production to remain competitive while their defense controlled the opposing passing game.
For Las Vegas, the statistics highlighted the importance of offensive consistency.
Jeanty provided a reliable rushing contribution, and the defense created turnovers. However, the passing attack did not generate enough production to support those efforts.
Denver’s Biggest Positive
The biggest positive for Denver was its defensive performance.
Six sacks and 11 quarterback hits demonstrated the effectiveness of its pass rush.
Nik Bonitto, Talanoa Hufanga, and the rest of the defensive unit contributed to a performance that consistently disrupted Las Vegas.
Las Vegas’ Biggest Positive
Jeanty’s performance was the clearest positive for the Raiders’ offense.
His 60 rushing yards and touchdown provided an important contribution.
Kyu Blu Kelly’s two interceptions also represented a significant defensive achievement.
Despite those performances, the team needed more production from its quarterback and receiving groups.
The Most Important Statistical Difference
The sack comparison was arguably the most important statistical difference.
Denver recorded six sacks, while Las Vegas recorded two.
That difference influenced field position, passing efficiency, and the ability to sustain offensive drives.
The Broncos also finished with 32 more net offensive yards.
These numbers explain how Denver managed to win despite throwing two interceptions.
Historical and AFC West Significance
The result was important for both teams because divisional games carry additional significance in the NFL standings.
Denver improved to 8-2, strengthening its position in the AFC West.
Las Vegas fell to 2-7, making its path toward a competitive divisional finish more difficult.
The result also continued Denver’s positive run against its division rival.
For the Broncos, winning a close divisional game demonstrated the value of maintaining defensive consistency.
For the Raiders, the defeat highlighted several areas requiring improvement, particularly pass protection, offensive balance, and scoring efficiency.
The matchup also illustrated why divisional contests can be unpredictable.
Even when one team has a stronger overall record, a low-scoring game can remain competitive until the final minutes.
Important Statistical Notes for Readers
When reviewing the box score, it is useful to understand several different statistical categories.
Gross passing yards: These represent the passing yards credited to a quarterback before subtracting sack yardage.
Net passing yards: These account for sack yardage lost and provide a better indication of the team’s total passing production.
Completion percentage: This measures completed passes divided by total passing attempts.
Yards per carry: This measures how many rushing yards a player produces per rushing attempt.
Targets: This represents the number of times a receiver was targeted by a quarterback.
Sacks: These measure quarterback takedowns behind the line of scrimmage on qualifying passing plays.
Tackles for loss: These represent defensive plays that stop an offensive player behind the line of scrimmage.
QBR and passer rating: These are different quarterback evaluation systems. They should not be treated as interchangeable measurements.
Understanding these categories makes it easier to evaluate individual performances rather than focusing only on the final score.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the final score of the Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos game?
The Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 10-7. Denver scored one touchdown and one field goal, while Las Vegas scored one rushing touchdown.
2. How many passing yards did Geno Smith record against the Broncos?
Geno Smith completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 gross passing yards. He threw zero touchdowns and one interception and was sacked six times for 29 yards.
3. How many passing yards did Bo Nix have against the Raiders?
Bo Nix completed 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards. He recorded one touchdown and two interceptions, finishing with a 54.2 passer rating.
4. Who was the leading rusher in the game?
J.K. Dobbins led the game in rushing yards with 77 on 18 carries for Denver. Ashton Jeanty led Las Vegas with 60 yards and scored the Raiders’ only rushing touchdown.
5. Which player scored the Broncos’ only touchdown?
Troy Franklin scored Denver’s only touchdown by catching a seven-yard pass from Bo Nix in the second quarter.
6. How many sacks did the Denver Broncos record?
The Denver Broncos recorded six sacks against the Raiders. Nik Bonitto led the listed Denver defenders with 1.5 sacks, while Talanoa Hufanga recorded one sack.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos matchup demonstrated how defensive pressure, special teams execution, and limited offensive opportunities can determine an NFL game. Denver secured a 10-7 victory despite an inconsistent passing performance and two interceptions from Bo Nix.
Ashton Jeanty provided the Raiders’ most important offensive contribution with 60 rushing yards and a touchdown. Geno Smith completed 16 passes for 143 yards, but Denver’s six sacks made it difficult for Las Vegas to sustain drives. Tyler Lockett led the Raiders in receiving yards with 44.
For Denver, J.K. Dobbins produced 77 rushing yards, Pat Bryant recorded 43 receiving yards, and Troy Franklin caught the team’s only touchdown. The defensive unit delivered the strongest overall performance, recording six sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
The most decisive moment came when Denver’s special teams blocked a punt and created the opportunity for Wil Lutz to kick the winning 32-yard field goal.
Ultimately, the Broncos did enough to protect their advantage and improve to 8-2, while the Raiders dropped to 2-7. The player statistics show that Denver’s defensive strength and slightly better offensive production were the key differences in this closely contested AFC West game.
