The Denver Broncos are aiming to secure their seventh consecutive victory as they face off against their AFC West rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, on ‘Thursday Night Football.’ Denver is entering this game following an 18-15 triumph over Houston on Sunday, while Las Vegas is coming off a 30-29 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Raiders (2-6), currently on a two-game losing streak, hold a 1-3 record in away games this season. The Broncos (7-2), who are leading the AFC West with a one-game advantage over the Los Angeles Chargers, have maintained a perfect 4-0 record on their home turf.
The game is scheduled to commence at 8:15 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Las Vegas holds the advantage in the all-time series with a 73-56-2 record, but Denver has emerged victorious in their last two encounters. The Broncos are favored by 9.5 points in the latest Raiders vs. Broncos odds, and the over/under for the total points scored is set at 42.5, according to SportsLine consensus. Before finalizing any Broncos vs. Raiders picks, it’s advisable to consult the insights of SportsLine expert Zack Cimini.
A Las Vegas-based handicapper known for challenging conventional wisdom, Cimini demonstrated profitability in the NFL last season (35-25-4, +$727) and is currently on an impressive 8-2 run (+$585) with his selections involving the Raiders. Those who have followed his advice on sportsbooks and betting apps have experienced substantial gains.
Cimini has now focused his attention on Raiders vs. Broncos. You can visit SportsLine now to view his selections. Here are some NFL betting lines and NFL odds for the Broncos vs. Raiders matchup:
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Raiders vs. Broncos spread |
Denver -8.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook |
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Raiders vs. Broncos over/under |
42.5 points |
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Raiders vs. Broncos money line |
Denver -493, Las Vegas +376 |
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Raiders vs. Broncos picks |
See picks at SportsLine |
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Raiders vs. Broncos streaming |
Amazon |
Why the Broncos can cover
Quarterback Bo Nix spearheads the Denver offensive efforts. Throughout the nine games played this season, Nix has successfully completed 197 of 322 attempted passes, resulting in a completion rate of 61.2%. These completions have amounted to a total of 1,976 passing yards and have contributed to 17 touchdowns while incurring six interceptions. Nix has also showcased his mobility, rushing 42 times for a total of 207 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and scoring three rushing touchdowns. Notably, in a dominant 28-3 victory over Cincinnati on Sept. 29, Nix completed 29 of 42 pass attempts, amassing 326 passing yards and throwing two touchdowns, with one interception. Additionally, he contributed a rushing touchdown.
The primary target in the passing game for Nix is the seasoned wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Over the course of nine games, Sutton has secured 38 receptions, accumulating 566 receiving yards, resulting in an average of 14.9 yards per reception, and has scored four touchdowns. Sutton has demonstrated his big-play ability, executing 10 explosive plays of 20 or more yards, including a long of 52 yards. He has also gained 154 yards after the catch and has been responsible for 27 first-down conversions. In a narrow 23-20 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 21, Sutton recorded six receptions for 118 receiving yards and scored one touchdown. See which team to back at SportsLine.
Why the Raiders can cover
Las Vegas may face some challenges in their offensive lineup following the trade of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday. Quarterback Geno Smith is at the helm of the offense, having completed 164 of 243 pass attempts, achieving a completion rate of 67.5%. These completions have resulted in a total of 1,664 passing yards and have contributed to 11 touchdowns, while also accounting for 11 interceptions. In addition to his passing duties, Smith is also the Raiders’ second-leading rusher, carrying the ball 27 times for a total of 81 rushing yards, which includes one explosive play of 20 yards. In Sunday’s game against Jacksonville, Smith completed 29 of 39 pass attempts, amassing 284 passing yards and throwing four touchdowns, with one interception.
With the departure of Meyers, wide receiver Tre Tucker is expected to play an even more prominent role in the passing game. Throughout eight games, Tucker has recorded 32 receptions, leading the team with 427 receiving yards and scoring four touchdowns. He has demonstrated his ability to make impactful plays, executing six explosive plays, including a long of 61 yards, and has gained 189 yards after the catch and has been responsible for 19 first-down conversions. During a 41-24 loss to Washington on Sept. 21, Tucker caught eight passes for 145 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns. See which team to back at SportsLine.
For Thursday Night Football’s matchup, Cimini is leaning under the total, but he also says a critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back. See what it is at SportsLine.
