Published Dec 4, 8:23pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 4, 8:23pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Dec 4, 8:24pm ET
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| Las Vegas Raiders | +7.5 (-120) |
| Denver Broncos | -7.5 (+100) |
The only question about the Broncos as they sit at 10-2 with a nine-game winning streak is the perception of luck or barely squeaking by in just about every game, some against bad teams.
The only comfortable wins Denver has had in 2025 were against the Bengals (28-3) and the Cowboys (44-24). Their other wins were tight. There were borderline miraculous comebacks against the Giants and Eagles. Plus, the close victories over the woeful Raiders and Jets should be somewhat worrisome when the playoffs come around.
But wins are wins, and who's to say Sean Payton's coaching and the team's ability to stay cool in the fourth quarter isn't a mitigating factor helping them win these games?
QB Bo Nix has been solid but not spectacular. He has a passer rating of 85.8 with 19 TD passes against 9 interceptions. He's also rushed for 229 yards.
"I think the worst thing you can do is let other people tear down a 10-2 record" 👀
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) December 4, 2025
Bo Nix keeps it real about people who hate on the Denver Broncos' 10-2 record
"Everyone can talk about a 10-2 record and make excuses why we have it, but you still have to win games" 💯 pic.twitter.com/58s486HDFs
Denver's defense is among the NFL's best. They're 5th in the league in defensive rushing yards against per game and 9th in defensive passing yards per game. In Week 13, they got back star defensive back Patrick Surtain Jr.
Nix struggled in the first matchup with the Raiders, completing 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards, 1 TD, and 2 interceptions.
ALSO SEE: Steelers vs Ravens Week 14 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 7)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Pat Bryant, WR | INJURED |
| Zach Allen, DE | INJURED |
| D.J. Jones, DT | INJURED |
| Nate Adkins, TE | INJURED |
The Raiders are in disarray and it's getting worse. After their Week 12 loss to the Browns, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was fired. But there is speculation that the move was partially cosmetic to make it appear as if the team is doing something to address its woes and because Kelly wanted to go back to college for a head coaching job.
Regardless, they haven't had any more success with Greg Olson running the offense than they did with Kelly.
Geno Smith has been a disaster at quarterback. He is tied for the league lead in interceptions.
Tony Jefferson w/ the amazing interception on Geno Smith! ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/OdyvlRRunT
— Jason Delgado (@JasonDelgado78) November 30, 2025
The problem is that nobody believes in Kenny Pickett, on his fourth franchise in four years, and there's no viable young QB on the roster. Obviously, that position is the area of need for the 2026 draft. They are likely to be the first team to pick a QB since the only teams with the same or a worse record than they do — the Titans, Giants, and Saints — have their future QB in place, or think they do.
The Raiders' defense hasn't been that bad, ranked in the middle of the pack in the league in both passing yards and rushing yards allowed per game. If Pete Carroll is allowed to return and they boost the offense, there is hope with running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and defensive end Maxx Crosby.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Michael Mayer, TE | INJURED |
| Jamal Adams, LB | INJURED |
| Alex Bachman, WR | INJURED |
| Maxx Crosby, DE | INJURED |
| Dont'e Thornton Jr., WR | INJURED |
| Dyland Parham, G | INJURED |
| Jordan Meredith, G | INJURED |
In Week 14 Broncos-Raiders, these two original AFL teams have had a longstanding rivalry. At various intervals, they have battled for AFC supremacy. 2025 is not one of those times.
But given how tight their first meeting this season was and how the Broncos have played so many close games, it would not be a surprise for the Raiders to keep it close.
However, Denver is due for a blowout, and Las Vegas has been getting progressively worse. With Surtain back, expect Smith to throw at least one pick. Denver will win this game easily and cover the spread as road favorites.
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Pick
Denver Broncos -7.5
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