The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson’s scouting report for Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High:

Offense 

With rain a factor, Broncos’ rookie quarterback Bo Nix had an ugly first half last Sunday at the New York Jets, throwing for minus-7 yards. The rain did subside in the second half and Nix finished with 60 yards in a 10-9 win, Denver’s second straight. Still, Nix must be more consistent. It will help him if the Broncos can run the way they did in the second half against the Jets, which included Javonte Williams gaining 53 of his 77 yards. The Raiders will be without star wide receiver Davante Adams, who has a hamstring injury and wants to be traded. But quarterback Gardner Minshew has had his moments this season and rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been a reliable target. 

Advantage: Raiders 

Defense 

The Broncos’ defense has been the story of their season. The unit is getting better each week, and Denver is second in the NFL in total defense and third in points allowed. The Broncos show 12 sacks in the past two games, including five against the Jets. Jonathon Cooper leads Denver with three sacks. In the secondary, Pat Surtain II has been a shutdown cornerback. How effective the Raiders’ defense is could depend on whether star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, questionable with a sprained ankle, is able to play. Off to a solid start is Las Vegas linebacker Robert Spillane, who has reached double figures in tackles in all four games. 

Advantage: Broncos 

Coaching 

During 15 seasons of coaching New Orleans, Sean Payton regularly had Saints teams ranked in the top 10 in offensive stats and not nearly as often in the top 10 on defense. That is different this season, with Denver ranked No. 27 in total offense. But while Payton is regarded as an offensive mind and calls the plays, he does oversee the team and works with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce has become popular with his players, and his tenure has had more positives than negatives. The Raiders are 7-6 since he took over midway through last season on an interim basis. And this season Las Vegas stunningly won 26-23 in Week 2 at Baltimore. 

Advantage: Broncos 

Intangibles 

The Broncos could be spurred on by wearing throwback uniforms from the 1977 season and having many members from that team rooting for them. That was the first Denver team to make the Super Bowl. It is Alumni Weekend and about 120 former players will be on hand. While the Broncos only listed one player as out for the game in running back Tyler Badie (back), the Raiders listed seven, including Adams. The Broncos had no players listed as questionable while Las Vegas had seven. The Raiders do have an eight-game winning streak over the Broncos, one that started when Oakland moved to Las Vegas in 2020. 

Advantage: Broncos