Broncos vs Raiders: Mims’ Breakout Moment Sparks a 24–17 Win 🔥🐴

December 08, 2025
Image Source :: AP Photo/Candice Ward

Introduction

The AFC West served up a classic rivalry Sunday night. This was not a shootout — it was a game of grind, field position and a special-teams play that swung momentum. If you’re looking for a quick read on the Broncos vs Raiders clash, here’s what happened, why it mattered, and what to watch next.

Game flow: Denver’s clock management beat Las Vegas

Denver opened the game by chewing up clock with long, efficient drives. An opening 14-play march set the tone and kept the Raiders’ offense off the field. Bo Nix and the Broncos offense repeatedly converted third downs and finished drives without gambling recklessly, which is how Denver controlled possession for nearly 40 minutes. That sustained possession helped seal the win. FOX Sports+1

Key takeaway: when a team dominates time of possession, it both limits the opponent’s scoring chances and lets the defense rest — and the Broncos executed that formula perfectly.

The play that changed the game: Marvin Mims’ punt return TD

With the score tied in the second quarter, Marvin Mims Jr. fielded a short, high punt and turned it into a 48-yard touchdown return — his first career punt-return TD. That play put Denver ahead for good and shifted the atmosphere in the stadium. Special teams are often overlooked, but this was a textbook example of one player making a game-defining play. Denver Broncos+1

Why it mattered: a sudden swing in field position plus immediate points stops a momentum run by the other team and forces them to be more aggressive — which the Raiders struggled with.

Quarterback play and key stats

Bo Nix had a tidy night: 31-of-38 passing for 212 yards and a rushing touchdown. He avoided mistakes, sustained drives, and controlled the game clock. On the other side, Geno Smith started for Las Vegas but exited with a right shoulder issue in the third quarter; Kenny Pickett relieved him and added a late touchdown but couldn’t overcome Denver’s control. ESPN.com+1

Other contributors:

  • RJ Harvey provided tough runs and a touchdown on a long, clock-consuming drive. Reuters

  • Denver’s defense made a crucial goal-line stand and recorded multiple sacks — plays that halted Raider momentum more than once. Reuters

What the win means: standings and momentum

By beating the Raiders, Denver improved to 11–2 and kept pace as one of the AFC’s top seeds. That 10-game winning streak is real momentum — not fluky wins — and it strengthens Denver’s playoff positioning. Conversely, the Raiders fell further into a tough stretch and now must regroup while managing injuries (notably Geno Smith’s shoulder). Reuters+1

Practical edge: winning the division or holding a top seed matters because it affects home-field advantage and playoff matchups. Denver is building the kind of late-season form coaches look for.

Where to watch / how fans followed the game

If you were trying to catch a Broncos game today or wanted to know what channel is the Broncos game on, national outlets (ESPN, CBS) and local broadcasts carried the live feed, and highlights are available on team sites and NFL platforms after the fact. For future where to watch Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders matchups, check local listings and your streaming package — Broncos and Raiders games generally appear on national networks depending on the week. (Use team and network guides to confirm for the specific kickoff.) ESPN.com+1

Player notes and matchups to watch next

  • Marvin Mims Jr. — His punt return changes how opponents punt to Denver. He may get more opportunities or attention from coverage units. Denver Broncos

  • Bo Nix — Continued efficient play keeps him in the conversation as Denver’s offensive engine. Expect more plays aimed at sustaining long drives. ESPN.com

  • Geno Smith / Raiders QB room — Smith’s shoulder will be monitored; injuries to starters force backup arms into high-pressure spots and change game planning. Reuters

If you’re tracking Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders match player stats, team box scores and official game centers provide full breakdowns (targets, rushing attempts, coverage snaps, special teams data).

Prediction reflection: did pregame expectations match reality?

Many previews expected Denver to control the trenches and the tempo; that’s exactly what happened. The game was closer than dominance alone suggests because the Raiders found moments — but Denver’s steady clock management and a decisive special-teams TD kept the final margin at seven. If you were looking for a Broncos vs Raiders prediction based on form and matchup, the outcome aligns with a bet on Denver’s discipline and depth. Reuters+1

Bottom line

The Broncos vs Raiders game was a reminder that every phase of football matters: offense, defense and special teams. Denver’s ability to run long drives, make a big special-teams play, and limit mistakes produced a 24–17 victory that keeps their momentum rolling into the heart of December. The Raiders must address injury issues and execution lapses if they want to turn their season around.

References

 

Tech D

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