Bo Nix breaks the Broncos’ rookie touchdown record as Denver defeats the struggling Raiders 29-19

The music from the Broncos’ locker room could be heard outside, as the players enjoyed their first victory in Las Vegas. Bo Nix passed for 273 yards and threw two touchdown passes to set a new rookie record, helping Denver beat the struggling Raiders 29-19.

With the win, the Broncos (7-5) moved closer to securing an unexpected playoff spot, marking their second straight win.

“A year ago, we don’t win that game,” said Broncos coach Sean Payton. “It wasn’t our best, but it was good enough. We’re on to the next one. We have a lot to clean up, but it was good to handle these guys for a second time.”

The Broncos had previously won the first meeting 34-18 in Denver on October 6, ending an eight-game losing streak to the Raiders.

Las Vegas (2-9) has now lost seven straight games, their longest losing streak since the 2017-18 season.

“I never doubt the mindset of everybody in that locker room,” said Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. “Everybody shows up every day with the mindset to get better, so that’s all you can ask for.”

Nix completed 25 of 42 passes. His 18-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton in the third quarter broke the team’s rookie record of 14 touchdown passes set by Marlin Briscoe in 1968. Nix and Sutton connected again for a 2-yard touchdown with 5:30 left, giving the Broncos a two-possession lead.

These plays helped erase a 13-9 halftime deficit. The Broncos outscored the Raiders 20-6 in the second half after adjusting to the Raiders’ unexpected defensive pressure.

“We had to shift that mindset,” Nix said. “We went into the game expecting some pressure. We had some calls for it, so we had to adjust. I thought we did a good job handling it and getting more 1-on-1s.”

This was the Broncos’ first road win in Las Vegas after losing their previous four games at Allegiant Stadium. It was also their first win in the series since defeating the Oakland Raiders on October 11, 2015.

“I think the tide is turning,” said Sutton. “The Broncos are in a spot where we want to be back in the AFC West, and I think that’s a really exciting spot to be in. Job’s not finished.”

Sutton had eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns, extending his streak of 70-yard games to five, the longest by a Broncos player since Demaryius Thomas’ eight straight in 2014.

Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a left shoulder injury late in the game and was replaced by Desmond Ridder. Minshew will miss the rest of the season due to a broken collarbone, according to multiple reports.

Minshew completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The most impressive play of the game came on a fake punt, when punter AJ Cole completed a 34-yard pass to linebacker Divine Deablo, setting up a second-quarter field goal.

Daniel Carlson kicked four field goals for the Raiders, including three from over 50 yards, keeping Las Vegas in the game. Will Lutz of the Broncos also made all of his field goal attempts, and the two kickers combined to make all nine attempts.

Jakobi Meyers had his best game since 2020, catching 10 passes for 121 yards.

Crosby made his 100th tackle for loss in the second quarter, becoming one of the few players to reach that milestone in their first six seasons, joining J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and DeMarcus Ware.

The Raiders were missing key players in this game, including their top two running backs, two cornerbacks, two defensive linemen, and one safety.

“Credit Vegas,” Payton said. “They came out and had some fire about them, but they lost.”

Raiders special teams coordinator Tom McMahon did not coach, but no reason was given. Derius Swinton II took over those duties.