Denver Broncos (8-8) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
The NFL Week 18 brings an intriguing matchup as the Denver Broncos, standing at 8-8, visit the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold a 7-9 record, at Allegiant Stadium. This game, scheduled for Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET, is not just a battle for pride but also a significant event for enthusiasts seeking expert NFL Super Bowl picks. With both teams out of playoff contention, this game is about ending the season on a high note.
The Broncos have had mixed success on offense this season. Jarrett Stidham’s play as quarterback has been solid, posting a 62.5 completion rate and 246 passing yards through two games. Javonte Williams led their rushing attack with 742 rushing yards at an average 3.6 yards per attempt; Jerry Jeudy has made significant plays, collecting 679 receiving yards with one touchdown receptions alone.
On the Raiders side of things, their offense has seen its share of ups and downs. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell completed 61% of his passes for 1974 yards over 10 games; however, turnovers and sacks have been an issue; Zamir White led with 339 rushing yards; however wide receiver Davante Adams has been phenomenal with 1098 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, offering consistent threats against opposing defenses.
Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 4:25 PM ET |
| Where: | Allegiant Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Jarrett Stidham QB vs. Aidan O’Connell QB
Jarrett Stidham has only played two games for the Broncos this season after taking over the starting role. In that limited action, he has posted modest but solid numbers. Stidham is completing 62.5% of his passes while averaging 7 yards per attempt. He has thrown for 224 yards, 1 touchdown and zero interceptions for a respectable 93.8 quarterback rating. While not flashy, Stidham has avoided major mistakes and given the Broncos offense a shot in the arm. He brings mobility and downfield passing ability that could exploit a susceptible Raiders secondary. If Stidham builds off his first two starts, he could close the season out strong and make his case to compete for the 2023 starting job.
Las Vegas Raiders starter Aidan O’Connell has been consistent if unspectacular this season for Las Vegas. In 10 starts, he has completed 61.9% of his passes for 1974 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. O’Connell has several dangerous weapons to throw to like Davante Adams, but he has been limited by pass protection issues. The Raiders line has given up 22 sacks already, often disrupting O’Connell’s rhythm. Still, his aggressiveness posing a threat against most defenses. If O’Connell gets time in the pocket, he can slice apart a Broncos secondary that has declined lately. Las Vegas will need his arm to outgun the Broncos on the scoreboard.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Las Vegas Raiders -155, Total Odds: 38
The Raiders are favored with a -155 moneyline and a 2.5-point spread, indicating a close contest. The total set at 38 points suggests a low-scoring game, in line with both teams’ recent trends.
Denver Broncos Betting Trends
The Broncos trends suggest they perform well as underdogs, with a 7-3 record straight up in their last 10 games. However, they have struggled against the Raiders recently, going 0-5 ATS and 0-7 SU in their last 7 meetings. The under has also hit in 8 of Denver’s last 11 contests.
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Trends
The Raiders trends indicate they cover well at home, with a 6-1-1 ATS record in their last 8 overall. But they have been inconsistent, going just 2-4 SU over that same sample. The under has hit in 10 of Las Vegas’ last 14 games as well. Most notably, the under is 7-0 when they host Denver.
Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders 1/7/24 Betting Picks
Considering the betting trends and recent performances, the Raiders have an edge, especially at home. The Broncos will need to break their losing streak against the Raiders, which is a tall order given their recent form.
In terms of betting, the Raiders seem to be the safer pick, but the Broncos could offer value for those looking for an upset. Prop bets might focus on individual player performances, like rushing yards or receiving yards. The over/under is set low, and given the teams’ offensive struggles, betting the under might be wise. Bettors should consult the best betting websites for up-to-date odds and insights.
