**Broncos Set to Face Struggling Raiders: A Preview of Week 12**

This season has been a rollercoaster for the Las Vegas Raiders, marked by fleeting highs and prolonged lows. After an unexpected Week 2 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Raiders quickly saw their momentum falter with a loss against the Carolina Panthers the following week. Despite a promising win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, Las Vegas has since found themselves on a losing streak, dropping six consecutive games ahead of their second matchup against the Denver Broncos this season.

The Denver Broncos, who stand at 6-5, handed the Raiders a 34-18 defeat in Week 5, and now Las Vegas faces the daunting task of breaking their losing streak against a formidable division rival. To gain insight into the Raiders' outlook, we turn to Ray Aspuria from Silver and Black Pride.

**Fan Sentiment and Franchise State**

According to Aspuria, Raider Nation is experiencing a complex mix of emotions. With the team's record at 2-8 and underperforming under the helm of head coach Antonio Pierce, there's a growing sentiment among fans that securing a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft might be the best course of action. Even the staunchest supporters acknowledge that the team's chances are better served by focusing on the future, despite the inherent discomfort of rooting for losses.

The franchise itself finds itself in a state of flux. The uncertainty surrounding Pierce's future, combined with Tom Brady's recent entrance as a minority owner with potential sway over key decisions, adds to the team's instability. With Gardner Minshew as the starting quarterback, the offense lacks the pivotal leadership needed in a quarterback-driven league. Maxx Crosby echoed this sentiment, stating that the team is now "playing for pride."

**Bright Spots Among Struggles**

Despite the bleak overall performance, there are notable highlights in the Raiders' roster. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been a standout, showing exceptional skill that justifies his No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Bowers has proven to be a versatile weapon against defenders of all types, earning him the nickname "Swole Renfrow" due to his route-running prowess.

Similarly, second-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett has demonstrated significant improvement. Despite a challenging rookie season, Bennett has become more reliable in coverage, showcasing his speed and increased confidence, which has made him a formidable obstacle for opposing wide receivers.

However, the Raiders have struggled massively in the running game, holding the dubious honor of having the league's worst rushing attack. The improved pass-blocking from the offensive line has not translated to run-blocking, and running back Zamir White has not thrived within the team's zone-blocking scheme.

**Path to Victory Against Broncos**

For the Raiders to secure a win on Sunday, offensive discipline will be crucial. Reducing turnovers while forcing defensive takeaways is essential, though it is a challenging prospect given their deficit of 20 giveaways to only five takeaways. The Week 5 encounter against the Broncos was notably affected by a critical pick-six that shifted the game's momentum.

Offensively, the Raiders are expected to lean on a strategy similar to their approach against the Miami Dolphins: emphasize the run, use play-action, and prominently feature Bowers. Despite moving the ball efficiently through the air against Miami, they failed to capitalize fully on their drives — a challenge likely to persist against Denver's disciplined defense led by Vance Joseph.

Defensively, the Raiders must focus on disrupting Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Crosby's ability to pressure Nix will be key, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is expected to employ a mix of man and zone coverages, bolstered by strategic blitzes. However, tackling remains a critical issue; continuing to miss tackles could result in another long day for Las Vegas.

**Sunday's Outcome and Predictions**

Looking toward Sunday, Aspuria predicts standout performances from rookies Bowers and Nix, both emerging as offensive rookie of the year contenders. Recent games have showcased their potential, with Nix completing nearly 85% of his passes and racking up four touchdowns in Denver's decisive win over the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, Bowers set an NFL rookie tight end record with 13 catches, amounting to 126 yards and a touchdown, despite the Raiders' loss to Miami.

While Las Vegas has a chance to put together a solid home performance, the expectation is that Denver will be motivated to secure a win and remain in the playoff hunt. Given the Raiders' struggles since their bye week, a victory for Las Vegas seems unlikely.