The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Thursday’s game between the Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High:

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 30, Raiders 9

Congratulations to Dave Logan, the voice of the Broncos, who earned a game ball from Sean Payton after Logan on Sunday called his 600th game on 850 KOA radio. Denver is blessed with a brilliant collection of play-by-play talent. And ours can’t be the only family who turned down the TV on Super Bowl XXXII to hear Logan: “Denver’s going to win it! Baby, they’re going to win this thing!”

Overall record: 6-3

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 31, Raiders 17

The Broncos know how to score points on bad teams, so Las Vegas should be perfect for Bo Nix and company. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is the only concern for Denver. He was great against Jacksonville last week, and the Broncos can struggle covering the tight end.

Overall record: 6-3

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 27, Raiders 13

The Broncos are a 10.5-point favorite. They actually lost 20-19 to the Oakland Raiders in 2009 when they were a 14-point favorite, the biggest upset of the Broncos in their history. But Josh McDaniels was the coach then. Enough said. Denver should have no problem with a Raiders team that already looks to be playing out the string.

Overall record: 7-2

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 41, Raiders 10

While not yet convinced that Denver’s knack for overcoming three quarters of lousy football with 15 minutes of urgency bodes well for a playoff run, the Broncos should take the fight out of the lousy Raiders within 15 minutes of the opening kickoff.

Overall record: 6-3

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 28, Raiders 3

The Pete Carroll era in Las Vegas is off to a bumpy start with an interception-happy quarterback in Geno Smith and a leaky defense. Expect the Broncos to take advantage with a strong start wearing nifty throwback uniforms to reach 1-1 in division play. The AFC West is up for grabs. The Raiders are also-rans. The Broncos have a chance to win it.

Overall record: 6-3