The Denver Broncos won their 10th straight game in Sunday’s AFC West matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders to improve to 11-2 on the season, now taking the lead in the AFC over the New England Patriots.

Denver Broncos offense dominates clock vs. Raiders for 10th straight win

Bo Nix commanded the Broncos’ offense with ease on Sunday, and in particular on several key drives.

Denver’s opening touchdown drive saw Nix and the offense execute tTo perfection, a 14-play 81-yard drive that took nearly nine minutes off the clock to start the game, giving them a 7-0 lead.

In the second half, Nix helped orchestrate a 14-play, 91-yard drive that took 9:13 off the clock, with RJ Harvey punching it in to give the Broncos a 21-7 lead. What also helped was an effective run game, led by Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Adam Prentice at times, and Nix with his legs, with Denver rushing for over

Late in the fourth quarter, the offense then put together a 19-play, 90-yard drive that took 10:17 off the clock, capped off by a Wil Lutz field goal that pushed their lead to 24-7.

The Broncos controlled the clock on Sunday to the tune of 39:03 to 20:57.

Even though this was a 24-17 final score, this game was never close.

Denver Broncos defense bends but shuts down Ashton Jeanty

Denver’s defense had some up-and-down moments in Sunday’s game. For the first time this season, the Broncos allowed an offensive touchdown on their opening drive, which hasn’t been the case 14 weeks into the season. At times, the Raiders capitalized on some chunk plays in early down situations, including giving up a fourth down conversion in the third quarter for a big gain.

However, entering the fourth quarter with the Raiders knocking on the door, Patrick Surtain II broke up a Kenny Pickett pass attempt to Brock Bowers on fourth down, forcing Vegas to turn it over on downs.

The Broncos’ defense shut down Ashton Jeanty, whose rookie struggles continued behind a porous offensive line, holding him to 30 yards on 10 carries.

Late in the fourth quarter, the defense surrendered a touchdown on a Pickett-led drive, giving up two explosive plays of 15+ and 25+ yards. Some of the big plays given up, and the frequency of offensive players being open across the middle of the field has been a growing concern over the last two weeks, and that will need to be corrected next Sunday when they face a very good Green Bay Packers offense.

Game Balls vs. Raiders

Marvin Mims is such a dynamic weapon, and Sunday’s game showcased that after his punt return touchdown. In the second quarter, Mims took a punt to the house that was set up by great blocking and great vision.

Even though he doesn’t get as many snaps on offense, Mims’ ability to see the field in space is something that needs to be used more by Sean Payton and the Broncos offense in their final four games and into the playoffs.

Rookie running back RJ Harvey gets a game ball and continues to impress with a heavier workload in the backfield since taking over after J.K. Dobbins’ injury. Harvey punched in his ninth overall touchdown of the season in Sunday’s game, giving him five total on the ground and four through the air.

Bo Nix was in complete command of the offense on Sunday and was accurate and decisive, which kept drives alive and gave the Broncos the time of possession advantage. Nix was 31-of-38 passing for 212 yards and a rushing touchdown, completing passes to 11 different players.

Nik Bonitto moved to 12.5 sacks on the season after his two-sack performance against the Raiders, getting to Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett.

Honorable mention: Adam Prentice

Adam Prentice did the dirty work and was rewarded on Sunday. He had an 18-yard run in the third quarter and another first-down run in the fourth quarter. On top of that, he came up big in pass protection on key downs and helped the Broncos’ offense rush for over 100 yards in Sunday’s win.

The Broncos officially move into first place in the AFC playoff picture at 11-2 and maintain a nice lead in the AFC West, earning a tiebreaker over the New England Patriots if both teams finish the season with the same record.

Next up: home vs. the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.