The Denver Broncos outlasted the Las Vegas Raiders in Sunday’s AFC West showdown, snapping their long-standing losing streak in the city of sin. How did the Broncos shake off a sloppy first half to get their first-ever win in Vegas?

Denver Broncos outlast Las Vegas Raiders

It wasn’t pretty, but the Denver Broncos found a way to outlast the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday to improve to 7-5. Behind the connection between Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton, Denver took another step forward toward their playoff hopes.

Late in the fourth quarter, Denver survived a scare from the Raiders after questionable clock management gave Vegas a chance to tie the game up, but Nik Bonitto’s 10th sack of the season helped the Broncos hang on.

The Broncos still hold the 7th seed in the Wildcard playoff race after Sunday’s win and gained some distance from the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Biggest turning point for the Denver Broncos – Court was in session

Courtland Sutton came up big on Sunday when Bo Nix and the Broncos offense needed him most. With pressure mounting from Tyree Wilson and Maxx Crosby, Sutton was the relief valve.

He hauled in eight passes on 10 total targets for 97 yards and two crucial touchdown catches. Not only did he produce in the red zone for the Broncos offense, but he came up big several times with some clutch catches on third down.

Sutton now has five total receiving touchdowns on the season.

Nix finished the game 25-of-42 passing for 273 and two touchdowns.

Defining number from Broncos/Raiders – 10

As I alluded to above, Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto notched his 10th sack of the season in crunch time. For years, the Broncos have been looking for a clutch-time pass rusher who can close out games or make a crucial play, and Bonitto proved he is that guy.

Not only is he the Broncos’ emerging superstar pass rusher, but he becomes the first Bronco outside linebacker and defender to hit double-digit sacks since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in 2018.

With the Raiders threatening late, Bonitto became the X-Factor. His strip-sack led to the Broncos extending their lead to 29-19 with 1:56 remaining in the game. On a day where the defense was missing the presence of Zach Allen, who missed Sunday’s game with a heel injury, Bonitto and the defense came up big late.

Player who had an underrated impact – Wil Lutz

Broncos Country should be giving Wil Lutz a shoutout and some love because his performance on Sunday not only helped the Broncos secure their seventh win of the season but also likely sets him up for an AFC Special Teams Player of the Week nomination.

He was 5-for-5 on his field goal attempts and was 2-for-2 on extra point attempts. Lutz accounted for 17 of Denver’s 29 points.

The Denver Broncos win also ensured a sweep of the Raiders, which they haven’t done since the days of Peyton Manning.

A new era is here, Broncos Country.

Broncos news and notes

Cornerback Riley Moss left Sunday’s game in the first half with a knee injury and did not return. The replay didn’t look good, but we’ll await word from head coach Sean Payton on his status going forward.

Veteran Levi Wallace filled in for him.

We’ll also hopefully hear more about Zach Allen and his heel injury. During pregame, he was spotted with a boot on his foot, where the injury took place.