3 Brutal Takeaways From Broncos' 10-7 Win vs. Raiders on TNF

The Denver Broncos managed to pull out a 10-7 divisional win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, but it was far from a confidence booster. In what was arguably the least inspiring victory of the Payton/Nix era, Denver’s offense stumbled through an ugly primetime performance.

Still, the win marked the Broncos’ seventh consecutive victory and improved their record to 8-2, their best start since 2015. That fact alone provides a small glimmer of hope, even as issues continue to plague the team’s offensive play-calling and execution.

The Offense Struggles Again

The harsh truth is that Denver’s offense looked broken. Despite flashes of promise this season, the unit faltered throughout the night, stringing together multiple three-and-outs that left fans frustrated. The responsibility ultimately lies with Sean Payton, not only as head coach but also as the man calling plays.

Questionable Play-Calling

One baffling sequence came in the third quarter when the Broncos, needing momentum, dialed up a strange trick play on 3rd-and-1. Courtland Sutton caught a backward pass behind the line of scrimmage, clearly meant to throw downfield, but the Raiders snuffed it out completely. With everyone covered, Sutton had no choice but to take the loss.

“It pushed back a relatively makeable 53-yard field-goal attempt by Wil Lutz to a much more daunting 58-yarder.”

The failed call epitomized the night—overthought strategy undermining simple execution.

Bo Nix’s Rough Outing

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix turned in one of his roughest performances as a pro. His timing and decision-making were off, and the offense never found its rhythm. While the defense kept them afloat, the offense’s regression was unmistakable.

Final Thoughts

Even with an ugly win, Denver’s record keeps them in a strong position. But if their offense continues to sputter, tougher opponents will take full advantage.

Author’s summary: Despite improving to 8-2, Denver’s win exposed deep offensive flaws and questionable play-calling that overshadowed the team’s growing momentum.

Sports Illustrated — 2025-11-07