Broncos Vs. The Dark, Evil Empire at Home
Trevor Phipps
Late Broncos owner Pat Bowlen famously only had three main winning, “to-do” goals for his team, and one of these involved beating the Raiders (Or, devour them if possible as no love has been lost between these two teams and their personnel.
This bitter AFC West Rivalry started during the formation of the American Football League in 1960, as the two teams were put in the same division.
The rivalry intensified over the years and got even more heated during the 1977 football season when the Broncos defeated the defending champion Raiders in the AFC Championship game to earn their first trip to the Super Bowl.
The matchup has garnered so much attention over the years that the Broncos and the Raiders have played each other more times on Monday Night Football than any other two teams on MNF with a total of 20 rivalry showdowns.
Back in the heyday of this feud, every time the Raiders came to town a Broncos’ talk radio station would sell special “Raider Hater” t-shirts. For the 2024 season, the matchup in Denver this Sunday could be a big one because the two teams are currently neck and neck in last place in the AFC West.
The Broncos absolutely shocked their fans recently, when they came up with a huge, unexpected win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team’s defense was on fire and Bo Nix really looked like he has potential to shine in the NFL.
On defense, the team forced two turnovers and held the Bucs to only seven points and 223 total yards. The defense really came alive when it counted by keeping the Bucs from making only three successful third down conversions out of 11 tries and zero out of two fourth down conversion attempts.
On offense, quarterback Bo Nix proved he has the arm to launch the ball down the field and the speed and technique to make big plays with his feet. The offense as a whole played well, and even shined in the Red Zone for a change.
NFL fans thought the Raiders could be on fire this year when they came out of nowhere and beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, 26-23. But then after getting smoked by the Carolina Panthers, team which some say is the worst in the league, hopes for the Raiders have died down.
But, even though it could be easy to say that the Broncos have the momentum to prevail, you can never count out a rivalry team. It really could go either way.
What is known is that both teams badly need and want a win on Sunday. Therefore, I think this will be a close one that gets decided at the very end of the game.
Vegas Line: Broncos by 1.
Trevor’s Pick: Denver Broncos 34, Las Vegas Raiders 31
New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs Monday Night 6:15 p.m.
In previous seasons, the Chiefs didn’t look so hot right out of the gate, but they really shined at the end of the season when it counts. But this year, the Chiefs have been one of only four teams to start the season 3-0. And even though they have basically squeaked by wins in all of those games, the team still looks hot.
The Saints came out shocking people with their stellar offensive play during the first two weeks. But then, their momentum fizzled out when they lost a close one to Philly in week 3.
Although I haven’t been super impressed with how the Chiefs have played so far this year, they know how to steal the game away at the end and get that “W.” The Saints probably have a chance to be good this season, but they most likely won’t show it this week.
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 8
Trevor’s Pick: Kansas City Chiefs 37, New Orleans Saints 28,
Other Good NFL Games to Watch for Week 5
Since the Chargers have a bye this week I figured I would make some picks for other big games to watch this week. Remember it is never wise to take my advice while betting!
Thursday Night 6:15 p.m.: Tampa Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
This should be a close game and is probably worth tuning in for. But after what I saw from the Bucs in Week 3, I think the Falcons will come out on top.
Vegas Line: Falcons by 3
Trevor’s Pick: Atlanta Falcons 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14
Sunday 7:30 a.m.: New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings
This early London, England match could be worth watching for those early risers out there. Both teams have had their good moments and could be playoff contenders.
Vegas Line: Jets by 4
Trevor’s Pick: New York Jets 31, Minnesota Vikings 28
Sunday 11:00 a.m.: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
In my mind, both of these teams haven’t looked as well as everyone thought this year. But with both of them lowering their playoff odds by starting 0-2, they will be hungry to win.
Vegas Line: Bengals by 1.5
Trevor’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens 34, Cincinnati Bengals 30
Sunday 2:25 p.m.: Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams
For those not watching the Broncos Sunday afternoon this matchup is probably the next best to watch. The Packers have won two in a row with a backup QB and the Rams also came up with a big upset win against San Francisco in week 3.
Vegas Line: Rams by 1.
Trevor’s Pick: Green Bay Packers 28, Los Angeles Rams 20
Sunday Night 6:20 p.m.: Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cowboys have not kept up with expectations this season, while the Steelers shocked everyone when they came out 3-0. The Steelers seem to like having Justin Fields at the helm and they will probably end up choosing him over Russell Wilson for the remainder of the season.
Vegas Line: Cowboys by 1.5
Trevor’s Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 16