The Denver Broncos failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2023, but the team did take some positive steps forward in Sean Payton’s first season.
If they beat the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, the Broncos will have secured their first winning season since 2016 with a 9-8 record. A win in Las Vegas would also improve Denver’s record in the division to 4-2.
Earlier this season, the Broncos snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs. This week, Denver has an opportunity to snap a seven-game losing streak to the Raiders.
Broncos coach Sean Payton downplayed the importance of snapping that streak that predates his arrival, but he is eager to end the season on a positive note.
“I don’t even know that I was aware that we had lost that many games to Las Vegas/Oakland,” Payton said earlier this week. “I think what would be important for us is to get to our ninth win. I’m sure that’s important for them as well. This is a little bit more focused on us inward. That element is really important.”
Denver’s last win against the Raiders came on Dec. 29, 2019 when the Broncos defeated their division rival 16-15 at home. More recently, Las Vegas won in Denver 17-16 when the Broncos and Raiders faced off in Week 1 this season. Payton and Co. will be seeking payback for that defeat on Sunday, aiming to snap the losing streak and secure a winning season.
