Bo Nix threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns, breaking the team’s rookie record as the Denver Broncos secured a 29-19 victory over the struggling Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
This win marked the Broncos’ first in Las Vegas and their first road victory in the series since defeating the then-Oakland Raiders on October 11, 2015.
The Broncos (7-5) took another stride toward a surprising playoff bid with their second consecutive victory.
Meanwhile, the Raiders (2-9) extended their losing streak to seven games, the longest since the 2017-18 seasons.
Nix completed 25 of 42 passes, with his 18-yard touchdown throw to Courtland Sutton in the third quarter setting a new rookie record for the franchise.
The previous mark of 14 was established by Marlin Briscoe in 1968. Later in the fourth quarter, Nix connected with Sutton again on a 2-yard touchdown pass, securing a two-possession lead with 5:30 remaining.
Denver wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a stellar game, catching eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
He also extended his streak of 70-yard games to five, the longest by a Broncos player since Demaryius Thomas’ eight-game streak in 2014.
On the Raiders’ side, quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards, including a touchdown and an interception, before being replaced by Desmond Ridder late in the game after landing hard on his left shoulder.
The highlight of Las Vegas’ passing attack came on a fake punt when punter AJ Cole hit linebacker Divine Deablo with a 34-yard pass, setting up a second-quarter field goal.
Las Vegas kicker Daniel Carlson and Denver’s Will Lutz were standout performers, combining for a perfect nine field goals, including three successful attempts from over 50 yards.
Carlson’s contributions helped keep the Raiders competitive despite their mounting injuries.
Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers also had a strong outing, catching 10 passes for 121 yards.
This marked his best performance since 2020 when he tallied 12 receptions for 169 yards with the New England Patriots against the New York Jets.
Defensively, Raiders end Maxx Crosby recorded his 100th tackle for loss in the second quarter, joining elite company.
He became only the fourth player since 1999 to achieve this milestone within his first six seasons, alongside J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and DeMarcus Ware.
The depleted Raiders were significantly undermanned, playing without their top two running backs, two starting cornerbacks, two defensive linemen, and a safety.
Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was also absent, with Derius Swinton II stepping in to handle coaching duties.
