The Denver Broncos secured a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 7, 2025, thanks to a formidable defensive performance. The Broncos recorded six sacks, blocked a punt, and intercepted a pass to clinch a crucial win in the competitive AFC West division. This result marks an impressive seventh consecutive win for the Broncos, who have rebounded from a shaky start to the season.
Both teams struggled offensively, with the Broncos holding a slight edge in total yards at 220 compared to the Raiders’ 188. Each squad managed to earn 10 first downs, and they faced the same number of penalties, with 11 flags thrown against each team. The time of possession was evenly split, as both teams controlled the ball for approximately 30 minutes.
Defensive Highlights Propel Broncos
Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged the unpredictable nature of divisional matchups, stating, “When you play a divisional opponent, those type of games can go a lot of different directions. This one certainly unfolded differently than we would have thought.”
The game began with the Raiders taking an early lead when running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for a 4-yard touchdown with just under three minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, the Broncos responded before halftime as quarterback Bo Nix connected with wide receiver Troy Franklin for a 7-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7.
In a pivotal moment late in the third quarter, Broncos linebacker JL Skinner blocked an A.J. Cole punt, which was recovered by Tyler Badie. This turnover set up a 32-yard field goal from kicker Wil Lutz, providing the Broncos with their final points of the night.
Quarterback Performances and Injuries
Nix finished the game completing 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Broncos running back JK Dobbins contributed significantly with 77 rushing yards on 18 carries. For the Raiders, Jeanty concluded the game with 60 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Raiders quarterback Geno Smith completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards before sustaining a quad/thigh bruise in the fourth quarter. His availability for the Raiders’ upcoming game will be evaluated in the following days.
On the defensive side, the Broncos showcased outstanding performances, with linebacker Nik Bonitto recording 1.5 sacks, while safety Talanoa Hufanga, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach, and defensive lineman Zach Allen each contributed with a sack. Other notable contributors included linebacker Jonathan Cooper and defensive linemen Eyioma Uwazurike and John Franklin-Myers, who combined for half-sacks.
The Raiders, now sitting at a disappointing 2-7, will host the Dallas Cowboys (currently 3-5-1) on November 17. Meanwhile, the Broncos, with a record of 8-2, will face the Kansas City Chiefs (currently 5-4) on November 16, as they continue their pursuit of a playoff berth.
