NFL AFC West Critical Showdown
The NFL season hits full stride as an iconic AFC West rivalry returns under the primetime lights at Empower Field at Mile High. On Thursday Night Football, the red-hot Denver Broncos (7-2) welcome the struggling but retooled Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) for a Week 10 matchup that carries major implications for both sides.
Denver enters this contest on a six-game tear, tied for the league’s longest winning streak, and looks every bit like a Super Bowl contender atop the AFC West. Their thrilling 18-15 comeback win in Houston last week, sealed by a walk-off field goal, showcased the toughness and poise of a team built to thrive under pressure.
The Raiders, on the other hand, are in the midst of a complete overhaul. The previous leadership has been replaced by General Manager John Spytek and veteran head coach Pete Carroll, whose hiring shocked much of the league. Carroll quickly brought in a familiar face at quarterback, trading for Geno Smith to reunite with his former Seattle signal-caller, replacing Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. The sweeping changes, paired with a roster shake-up and a promising 2025 draft class led by Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, signal a long-term rebuild. But growing pains have been evident, including last Sunday’s heartbreaking 30-29 overtime loss to Jacksonville.
The Unstoppable Force: Denver’s Dominant Defense
The headline of this matchup revolves around Denver’s defense, arguably the best unit in the NFL this season. The Broncos rank first in multiple key categories, including third-down and red-zone defense. Most impressively, they lead the league in sacks (40), putting them on pace for 76 by season’s end, a mark that would shatter the all-time record of 72 set by the 1984 Chicago Bears.
Even without star cornerback Pat Surtain II, Denver’s relentless pass rush continues to torment opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, their offense presents a stark home-road contrast, averaging a massive 31.3 points per game at home compared to just 20 on the road. The thin air of Mile High and an electric home crowd give them a distinct edge on Thursday night.
The Movable Object: Raiders’ Playmakers on the Rise
Despite their 2-6 record, the Raiders boast enough offensive firepower to make things interesting. Quarterback Geno Smith is coming off his best game in silver and black, tossing four touchdowns in the narrow loss to the Jaguars.
At the heart of Las Vegas’ offense is second-year tight end Brock Bowers, who continues to redefine his position. A Pro Bowler, first-team All-Pro, and Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist last season, Bowers has battled injuries in 2024 but erupted last week with 12 receptions, 127 yards, and 3 touchdowns. His versatility and ability to line up anywhere on the field will pose a major challenge to Denver’s secondary in Surtain’s absence.
Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has also been a bright spot, averaging 94.6 scrimmage yards per game with five total touchdowns over his last five outings. On defense, Maxx Crosby continues to anchor the front line with three sacks in his last three games and ranks third in the league with 13 tackles for loss.
However, the Raiders’ road woes continue to haunt them, they’ve surrendered 31.3 points per game away from home while scoring just five offensive touchdowns in four road contests. While the Raiders hold the all-time series edge (73-56-2), momentum clearly favors a surging Denver squad ready to defend its turf.
Betting Breakdown & Prediction
The betting community, via BetAnything.eu, views this as one of the most lopsided matchups of the week.
Betting Odds at BetAnything.eu
Spread: Las Vegas Raiders +9 (-110) | Denver Broncos -9 (-110)
Money Line: Las Vegas Raiders +400 | Denver Broncos -525
Total O/U: 43 -110
Betting Outlook:
Denver (-9) enters as a strong favorite, with the money line implying an 84% chance of victory for the Broncos. The total of 43 points to expectations of a low-scoring matchup, largely due to Denver’s suffocating defense.
Contrarian Trends:
Despite their recent surge, the Broncos haven’t thrived when heavily favored, they’re just 1-3 against the spread when laying a touchdown or more. They’ve also struggled in Thursday night matchups, going 1-4 straight up in their last five short-week appearances. The Raiders, meanwhile, have shown some renewed spark, covering the spread in two of their last three games, including last week’s win against the number.
Prediction:
Denver’s defensive dominance should once again set the tone. The Raiders’ road woes, allowing over 31 points per game, are unlikely to improve against a confident Broncos squad. Expect Brock Bowers and Geno Smith to keep it competitive, but ultimately, Denver’s balance on both sides of the ball should carry them to their seventh straight victory, even if Las Vegas manages to stay within the spread.
Final Score Prediction: Broncos 27, Raiders 17
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For full analysis, live props, and midgame pivots, keep visiting HandicappersHideaway.com.
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