Las Vegas Raiders VS Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

Introduction: A Shifting AFC West Rivalry

The Las Vegas Raiders versus Denver Broncos matchup on November 24, 2024, represented a significant shift in the longstanding AFC West rivalry. The Broncos’ 29-19 victory at Allegiant Stadium marked their first win at this venue and completed their first season sweep of the Raiders since 2014. This analysis examines the individual player performances and key statistical metrics that determined the outcome of this crucial divisional contest, providing insights into how Denver reversed years of competitive frustration against their historic rivals.

Quarterback Performance Analysis

Bo Nix’s Efficient Leadership
Denver’s rookie quarterback delivered a clinically efficient performance that demonstrated why the organization invested in his potential. Nix completed 25 of 42 passing attempts (59.5%) for 273 yards, recording 2 touchdowns without any interceptions for a passer rating of 94.6. His poise under pressure was particularly impressive, as he took only one sack despite Las Vegas’ defensive pressure attempts. Nix’s performance broke Marlin Briscoe’s 1968 Broncos rookie record for touchdown passes, highlighting his historic contribution to the franchise.

Gardner Minshew’s Mixed Results
The Raiders’ quarterback experienced a challenging afternoon against Denver’s defensive schemes. Before leaving with a season-ending broken collarbone in the fourth quarter, Minshew completed 25 of 42 attempts for 230 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception resulting in a 72.5 passer rating. His crucial interception in the second quarter provided Denver with optimal field position that led to scoring opportunities. Backup Desmond Ridder entered following Minshew’s injury, completing 5 of 10 passes for 64 yards but losing a critical fumble that effectively ended Las Vegas’ comeback hopes.

Offensive Skill Position Performances

Denver’s Passing Targets

• Courtland Sutton: The Broncos’ primary receiver delivered his best performance of the 2024 season, catching 8 of 10 targets for 97 yards and 2 critical touchdowns—his first career multi-TD game.
• Devaughn Vele: The rookie contributed significantly with 6 receptions for 80 yards on 9 targets, including a crucial third-down conversion that extended a scoring drive.
• Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin: These secondary targets provided complementary production, with Mims catching 3 passes for 44 yards and Franklin adding 2 receptions for 31 yards.

Las Vegas’ Receiving Options

• Jakobi Meyers: The Raiders’ most productive receiver dominated targets with 15 looks, catching 10 passes for a game-high 121 yards.
• Tre Tucker: Demonstrated excellent efficiency with 7 receptions on 8 targets for 82 yards.
• Brock Bowers: The rookie tight end experienced a rare quiet game, catching just 4 passes for 38 yards on 10 targets against Denver’s tight coverage schemes.

Ground Game Contributions

Denver’s Rushing Attack
The Broncos’ running game struggled significantly, managing just 63 yards on 22 attempts (2.9 yards per carry). Jaleel McLaughlin provided the only spark with 44 yards on 7 carries (6.3-yard average), while Javonte Williams recorded negative yardage (-2 yards on 8 attempts).

Las Vegas’ Running Game
The Raiders demonstrated more efficiency in their ground attack, averaging 4.3 yards per carry but only attempting 16 total rushes:

• Sincere McCormick: Led the team with 33 yards on 5 carries (6.6-yard average).
• Ameer Abdullah: Added 28 yards on 8 attempts (3.5-yard average) while contributing 5 catches for 37 yards including the team’s only offensive touchdown.

Table: Key Offensive Player Statistics

Defensive Impact and Game-Changing Plays

Denver’s Defensive Dominance
The Broncos’ defense delivered a game-winning performance through relentless pressure and timely takeaways. The unit recorded 5 total sacks from multiple contributors:

• Nik Bonitto: 1.0 sack plus consistent pressure
• Jonah Elliss: 1.0 sack in a breakout rookie performance
• Malcolm Roach: 1.0 sack at a crucial moment
• Additional contributors: Combined for 2.0 sacks

The defensive backfield made perhaps the game’s most decisive play when Brandon Jones intercepted Minshew in the third quarter and returned it 37 yards to set up the go-ahead touchdown. The Broncos effectively limited talented tight end Brock Bowers to just 4 catches on 10 targets, demonstrating exceptional game planning.

Las Vegas’ Defensive Struggles
The Raiders’ defense failed to generate significant impact plays, recording just one sack and creating zero turnovers throughout the contest. This lack of disruptive plays proved particularly damaging in a tight divisional game where momentum shifts often determine outcomes.

Table: Defensive Leaders and Special Teams

Special Teams Excellence

Kicking Game Precision

• Wil Lutz (DEN): Connected on all five field goal attempts (38, 53, 54, 45, and 33 yards) plus both extra points for 17 critical points.
• Daniel Carlson (LV): Matched Lutz’s perfection, hitting all four field goal attempts (34, 34, 53, and 22 yards) and his lone extra point for 13 points.

Punting and Special Teams Tricks

• AJ Cole III (LV): Averaged 54.5 yards across 4 punts with a 48.8-yard net, plus executed a 34-yard completion on a fake punt.
• Riley Dixon (DEN): Averaged 48.0 yards on 4 punts with a 44.5-yard net and placed 2 inside the 20-yard line.

Strategic Implications and Game Analysis

• Turnover Differential: Denver played clean football (zero giveaways) while forcing two Raiders turnovers that led directly to points.
• Red Zone Efficiency: The Broncos converted 2 of 4 red zone opportunities into touchdowns (50%), while the Raiders managed just 1 touchdown on 5 attempts (20%).
• Second-Half Adjustments: Denver outscored Las Vegas 20-6 after halftime thanks to tactical adjustments on both sides of the ball.

Historical Context and Rivalry Implications

This victory represented more than just a single game in the standings, marking a potential power shift in the AFC West rivalry. Before their October 6, 2024 meeting, the Raiders had won eight consecutive games against Denver. The Broncos snapped that streak with a 34-18 home victory, then followed with this 29-19 road win to complete their first season sweep since 2014.

Conclusion: Key Performance Indicators for Future Matchups

• Quarterback efficiency over explosiveness was the deciding factor.
• Turnover margin remains the strongest predictor of victory.
• Red zone execution separated the teams despite similar total yards.
• Coaching adjustments after halftime proved decisive.
• Special teams consistency kept both sides competitive but Denver gained more from field position.