### Raiders Face Crucial Test Against Broncos in Week 5

As the NFL enters the second quarter of the season, the Las Vegas Raiders are looking to gain traction. With a 2-2 record, their performance so far has been inconsistent. They’ve secured two close wins that could have swung either way and suffered two significant defeats. Despite these ups and downs, they remain in the running for an early playoff spot in the AFC, standing among 10 teams in the conference that hold a .500 record or better. Notably, all four AFC West teams are part of this group.

The Raiders are gearing up for a pivotal Week 5 clash against division rivals, the Denver Broncos, scheduled for Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT. This matchup presents an opportunity for the Raiders to edge above the .500 mark for the first time this season and distance themselves from the disappointing Week 3 home loss to the Carolina Panthers. A win on Sunday would not only elevate their record to 3-2 but also provide much-needed momentum as their schedule grows more challenging.

Despite being slight underdogs, the Raiders might find hope in their recent dominance over the Broncos. Las Vegas has won eight straight games against Denver since 2020, a streak the Broncos have yet to break. Denver’s last victory over the Raiders came in the final game of the 2019 season, when the Raiders were still based in Oakland. However, Denver is arriving with confidence after two consecutive road wins and a recent defensive surge, allowing just 29 points over the past three games.

The outcome of this game could be a turning point for both teams. A Raiders win would extend their winning streak against the Broncos to nine and position them well for the challenging weeks ahead. Conversely, a loss would drop them to 2-3, raising further questions about the team’s direction as they head into the tougher part of their schedule.

This Sunday’s game is undoubtedly critical for the Raiders, as they seek to establish consistency and strengthen their playoff aspirations.