The Denver Broncos (0-0) are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2:25 p.m. MT in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. Here is our quick preview for Sunday’s showdown at Empower Field at Mile High.
Raiders’ keys to victory: New QB Jimmy Garoppolo will benefit from playing with one of the NFL’s best WRs in Davante Adams, and RB Josh Jacobs — the league’s leading rusher in 2022 — got a deal done with Las Vegas and ended his holdout two weeks before Sunday’s season opener. The Raiders have plenty of firepower on offense and they will need their stars to make big plays against a stout Denver defense in Week 1. In a game that is shaping up to be a run-heavy affair, the Raiders will aim to outpace a rejuvenated Broncos offense.
Buy Broncos TicketsBroncos’ keys to victory: New HC Sean Payton made it clear this offseason that he plans to pound the rock on offense. Payton brought in multiple blocking tight ends and signed a fullback during free agency. He also signed RB Samaje Perine to complement starter Javonte Williams, and Denver also gave big-money contracts to guard Ben Powers and tackle Mike McGlinchey. All of that was done to create a formidable rushing attack, which will help take pressure off QB Russell Wilson in 2023. The Broncos will ask Wilson to play mistake-free football while implementing a run-heavy game plan.
Matchup to watch: Raiders WR Davante Adams vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches last season and ranked third with 1,516 receiving yards. Surtain was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022, but Adams totaled 242 receiving yards and 1 TD in two games against Denver. Surtain did not follow Adams on every snap last season, which is something the Broncos might consider this time.
Who wins? Payton wants to establish a winning culture with his new team and he can start by helping Denver snap a six-game losing streak against Las Vegas. Playing at home, the odds are in Payton’s favor. Broncos 27, Raiders 21.
