Broncos at Raiders: Week 18 Bold Predictions & Picks
Despite having been eliminated from playoff contention, the Denver Broncos have much to play for in the season finale. First off, the Las Vegas Raiders own a seven-game winning streak over the Broncos, and this is Sean Payton's chance to snap it.
Second, if the Broncos defeat the Raiders, it'll be the first win at Allegiant Stadium ever. Third, and most importantly, a win would give the Broncos their first winning season since 2016.
How will Sunday's tilt in Vegas shake out? For the last time this season, let's go around the Mile High Huddle table to see how our staff foresees this one unfolding.
James Campbell (@JamesC_MHH) 7-9: In a season of building and consolidation, with multiple streaks ended, an inspired Broncos team gets the business done. Jarrett Stidham has an efficient game, and Denver's defense holds up its side of the bargain, forcing timely turnovers and ending the season on a high note.
Pick: Broncos 24, Raiders 10
Keith Cummings (@KeithC_NFL) 9-7: Having snapped the dismal losing streak to Kansas City, the Raiders curse must go the same way. Stidham has familiarity with the Raiders, but that also cuts both ways. Ultimately, this boils down to which defense can force the most turnovers, and the Broncos do.
Pick: Broncos 19, Vegas 12
Carl Dumler (@CarlDumlerMHH) 8-8: Stidham has the impossible task of convincing the coaching staff, based on two games, that he should be considered as part of the future in Denver at the quarterback position. While two games aren't enough to know one way or the other, look for Stidham to have a good game with Courtland Sutton returning from a concussion. Stidham throws three touchdowns, and the Broncos' defense finishes on a high note shutting down a Raiders team that has been up and down for their interim head coach.
Pick: Broncos 27, Raiders 13
Mike Evans (@MHHEvans) 8-8: Stakes are uniquely high, not just on the scoreboard but also in the broader narrative of the season, with the Broncos' draft position on the line and Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce's future in the balance. Under the glare of Payton, the Broncos' offense must focus on neutralizing Raiders' powerhouse Maxx Crosby. At the same time, the Raiders are likely to lean heavily on their run game, steering clear of overburdening and preventing turnovers from quarterback Aidan O'Connell.
Pick: Raiders 20, Broncos 17
Thomas Hall (@ThomasHallNFL) 7-9: The Broncos have to end the losing streak to the Raiders at some point, right? A small consolation after a disappointing season will be beating the Raiders in Vegas and having a winning record for the first time in nearly a decade.
Pick: Broncos 18, Raiders 17
Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) 9-7: Payton has moved the needle in Year 1, even if it hasn't been to the fullest degree that fans hoped for. Along the way, he's been a streak-snapper, and that continues in the Broncos' season finale. It won't be pretty, but Sutton's return helps boost Stidham, and the red zone woes of last week are improved upon in Vegas. The Broncos end the season on a high note, producing a winning season for the first time in six years.
Pick: Broncos 23, Raiders 17
Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) 8-8: There should be no hemming and hawing over this game — it's really a win-win for the Broncos. Beat Vegas: End the streak against them, post first winning record since 2016. Lose to Vegas: Secure the highest possible draft pick, further necessitate change. While this matchup could go either way, I envision the former scenario taking hold as we head into a hectic 2024.
Pick: Broncos 23, Raiders 20
Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) 8-8: The Broncos' season is sadly over. But with one game to play, there's still intrigue. Can Stidham show enough to get a shot at starting next season? Will the Broncos break the losing streak to the Raiders? Not this time.
Pick: Raiders 26, Broncos 20
Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports) 5-11: The Raiders may be struggling on offense but the defense was a big reason they beat Kansas City two weeks ago. I'm expecting this game to come down to which defense does the best job of capitalizing on offensive mistakes. The Broncos' offense struggles, but Justin Simmons comes through with a pick-six to pull off a win to close the season.
Pick: Broncos 16, Raiders 12
Luke Patterson (@LukePattersonLP) 7-9: Pierce has one last game to prove he deserves to be the Raiders head coach in 2024. The Las Vegas locker room that loves and supports its interim head coach will likely want this game more than Denver’s guys who are in need of a vacation. The Broncos losing streak in Sin City continues as they finish with a losing record of 8-9 in 2023.
Pick: Raiders 23, Broncos 20
Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) 8-8: The Broncos finish the season with a win and end the losing streak to the Raiders. Stidham has a decent enough game with the ground game doing the brunt of it and the defense steps up.
Pick: Broncos 24, Raiders 13
Dylan Von Arx (@arx_d) 8-8: Stidham did fine last week for not seeing first-team reps until Russell Wilson was benched. However, the Raiders may have something more to fight for in this final game and that's to keep Pierce around for the future. This game could easily go either way, but I have to root for Denver finally achieving a winning record.
Pick: Broncos 20, Raiders 17
Ron White (@RonWhiteNFL) 8-8: Although the Broncos' season finale will not have any playoff implications, one thing is on the line: pride. The matchup at Allegiant Stadium will indicate the mental fortitude of the players and the desire to end the season on a high note. This game will come down to defense: The Raiders' defensive unit has been improving over the past several weeks, while the Broncos have remained steady. Finally, the egregious losing streak ends against the division foe.
Pick: Broncos 17, Raiders 13
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