The Denver Broncos will look to snap the Las Vegas Raiders’ eight-game winning streak against them on Sunday as the defense now prepares for the next biggest threat after Davante Adams was ruled out. Who will Patrick Surtain II line up against on Sunday, and what other matchups will define the game?
Denver Broncos three matchups to watch for vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Despite all of the turmoil going on in Las Vegas, the Denver Broncos can’t overlook the Raiders on Sunday. These three matchups will define the outcome of Sunday’s game.
Patrick Surtain vs. Jakobi Meyers
Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Patrick Surtain II take on Davante Adams on Sunday. Last season, Surtain dominated the matchup at home in their season opener. Sunday’s game was supposed to be another opportunity to see two of the best players at their positions go at it, and it may not be something we see happen again for a while. Adams recently requested a trade from the Raiders and all signs point to him ending up with the New York Jets or some team in the NFC, but none of that matters now.
Jakobi Meyers is the Raiders’ next top receiver and had success against the Broncos last season, hauling in two touchdown catches in Week 1 on nine catches and 81 yards. He maintains good body control when the ball is in the air and loves to catch the back shoulder throw often. Surtain will likely travel against him on Sunday, which will still be a fun challenge to watch unfold.
Alex Palczewski vs. Maxx Crosby
Even though Maxx Crosby (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, footage from Friday’s practice showed him moving quite well on the ankle at practice. All signs point to him playing, which will set the table for undrafted rookie free agent Alex Palczewski to face his toughest matchup yet.
Palczewski has done a great job in the two weeks he has started for the Broncos at right tackle and has flown under the radar nationally, except for drawing recent praise from Brian Baldinger.
.@Broncos @PalczewskiAlex 2 starts…2 Wins….Solid RT play…Smart…Tough…uses his wrestling backround to tie defenders up….Yes, the American Dream is very much alive. I have to watch Palczewski every week now. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/v3n3JBjnRx
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 2, 2024
Crosby’s size, strength, and explosiveness are a challenge for any offensive tackle, but Palczewski and right guard Quinn Meinerz have worked well together on the right side. How Palczewski does on Sunday will help determine whether or not Bo Nix and the offense have success.
Broncos receivers vs. Raiders secondary
Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Josh Reynolds, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and Troy Franklin all headline the top receiving options for Bo Nix against the Raiders. How Denver’s offensive line holds up in pass protection will be crucial on Sunday in allowing Nix to connect with them in the passing game.
However, the Raiders secondary contains three talented corners, Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs, and Jakorian Bennett, who all have a combination of traits like size, speed, athleticism, and strength. They’ll look to play physically at the line of scrimmage in hopes their pass rush gets home.
This could be the game where Mims speed could help open things up for everybody else in the passing game.
“He’s very important to what we’re doing in a lot of different ways,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said. “We’ll continue to use him, and I’m glad to have him.”