Broncos (8-8) at Raiders (7-9)

When: 2:25 p.m. MT, Sunday

Where: Allegiant Stadium

Radio/TV: 850 AM, 94.1 FM/FOX

Broncos-Raiders series: Broncos are 53-71-2 in 126 regular-season games dating back to 1960; the Broncos lost 17-16 in the last meeting, on Sept. 9, 2023, in Denver, and have lost seven in a row to their divisional rival.

In the spotlight

Jaleel McLaughlin found a groove early in last week’s 16-9 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

In the first quarter, Denver’s rookie running back had a 10-yard reception, then he sped down the right side of the field for a 9-yard gain after that. Later in the second quarter, McLaughlin’s 11-yard run helped spark the Broncos’ six-play, 75-yard scoring drive.

Over the past two games, McLaughlin has flashed versatility that had been evident during the early parts of the season but dried up in November and early December. He totaled 62 yards from scrimmage against the Chargers. And before that, he registered 67 total yards in the Christmas Eve loss to the New England Patriots.

While his numbers have gone up, so have his touches. McLaughlin has recorded a combined 21 touches in the last two games. He had 10 against the Patriots, which was the first time he had double-digit touches in a game since Week 5.

“Our vision continues to grow a little bit because he continues to earn additional touches,” head coach Sean Payton said. “There’s a unique hard-to-hit trait he has. You don’t see him take hard hits. He’s very sudden, and he’s earned those touches.”

This season, McLaughlin has totaled 564 yards from scrimmage. If he records 60 total yards against the Raiders on Sunday, McLaughlin would record the fourth-most total scrimmage yards in a single season by a Broncos undrafted rookie.

McLaughlin is all about taking his game to the next level. He has had occasional meetings with Payton about expanding his role as a pass catcher. He has totaled 160 yards on 31 receptions through 16 games this season. But if he can increase his production as a receiver, he will be able to fill the “Joker” role on Denver’s offense.

“Me and Coach Payton are always meeting about how I can get better. I’m just trying to work hard to be the best in the plans he has for me,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin did a little bit of pass-catching in college, but figuring that role out at the NFL level, where defenses are more athletic and complex, has been a challenge.

“It’s starting to come natural,” he said. “I’m starting to play faster and that’s a good start.”

Who has the edge?

When Broncos run
Broncos running back Javonte Williams has averaged 30.6 rushing yards in the last three games. He hasn’t rushed for 60-plus yards since Week 14’s win over the Chargers and his yards-per-carry average is just 2.9 over the last five games. Las Vegas has allowed 4.3 yards per attempt this season. Edge: Raiders

When Broncos pass
Denver’s offensive line has started every game together in 2023. But that streak could end Sunday with right tackle Mike McGlinchey a question mark after suffering a rib injury last week vs. the Chargers. Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby has 13.5 sacks but hasn’t recorded one in three straight games. He had one in the teams’ Week 1 meeting at Mile High and has 12.5 over nine career games against the Broncos. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham would be wise to note where Crosby lines up each snap. Edge: Raiders

When Raiders run
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has rushed for under 40 yards in two of the last three games. He currently has 805 rushing yards this season and will need 195 against Denver to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight year. The Broncos did a solid job containing Jacobs in Week 1, holding the two-time Pro Bowler to 48 yards on 19 carries. Edge: Broncos

When Raiders pass
Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell is coming off a solid game against the Indianapolis Colts, as he threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. O’Connell has recorded six touchdown passes in the last three games. Denver has allowed an average of 203 passing yards during that span. Edge: Broncos

Special teams
Marvin Mims Jr.’s Pro Bowl nod was well deserved. The Broncos rookie has averaged 17.4 yards per punt return and 26.3 on kick return attempts. The Raiders have allowed 22.4 kick return yards per game, ranking 12th in the league. Edge: Broncos

Coaching
Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce has made a solid case to be the team’s head coach next season. Since he took over for Josh McDaniels, Las Vegas has gone 4-4 and improved defensively. Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s offense continues to be underwhelming, and a quarterback change didn’t do anything to fix it. Still, he is on the verge of leading the Broncos to a winning season despite a 1-5 start to the season. Edge: Broncos

Tale of the tape

By the numbers

8.5: Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper’s sack total.

2: Field goals needed for kicker Wil Lutz to break the franchise record for most made in a single season. He has converted 30 through 16 games.

404: Jaleel McLaughlin’s rushing yard total.

1,098: Davante Adams’ receiving yard total.

81.3: Aidan O’Connell’s passer rating through 10 games (nine starts).

Bet on it

Line: Raiders -2.5

The Broncos are slight underdogs in their season finale, but don’t bet against them. Denver is extra motivated to earn its ninth win.

Prop bet: Over/under 38

The Broncos’ defense held Los Angeles to nine points last week. However, the offense struggled to reach the end zone against one of the worst passing defenses in the league. Las Vegas has improved defensively under Pierce, so it’s wise to take the under.

Post predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Raiders 20, Broncos 17

The Broncos are aiming at nine wins and a 4-2 mark in the division rather than the playoffs. Sean Payton says the team is approaching Week 18 just like the team has to win to get into the postseason. Maybe that’ll happen, but the Raiders have won seven straight in this series and are tougher under interim coach Antonio Pierce.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 21, Raiders 14

From starting the season at 1-5 to Sean Payton benching Russell Wilson, the Broncos will end their season on a high note, securing a winning season for the first time since 2016. Jarrett Stidham will perform well enough to stay in the running for Denver’s starting quarterback spot in 2024.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 34, Raiders 16

Friends of Sean Payton told us the offense flowed better without Russell Wilson against the Chargers, despite the meager output on the scoreboard. So with one game under his belt, certainly “Sparky” Stidham can lead the Broncos to their highest point production of the season. Right?

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Raiders 20, Broncos 16

Maxx Crosby and Josh Jacobs have consistently been a thorn in Denver’s side during their time with the Raiders. That will again be the case Sunday against former teammate Jarrett Stidham and a Denver run defense that still is far from good. Denver’s string of losing seasons moves to seven.

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