Take a photographic trip through the years for a look back at the series history between the Broncos and the Raiders.
Defensive end Pete Duranko hits Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica as defensive tackle Jerry Inman jumps to block his pass during a November 5, 1967 loss (17-21) to Oakland at Bears Stadium.
Defensive end Richard Jackson chases a Raiders ballcarrier during a game in Oakland.
Safety Billy Thompson goes for an interception as defensive back Bernard Jackson and Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch look on during a game at Mile High Stadium.
Rubin Carter rushes Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler.
Defensive end Lyle Alzado leaps over blockers as he chases Raiders tight end Dave Casper during a game against Oakland at Mile High Stadium.
Linebacker Randy Gradishar chases down the Oakland Raiders ballcarrier during a game at Mile High Stadium.
Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado wraps up Raiders quarterback Ken "The Snake" Stabler during a November 3, 1974 loss (17-28) to Oakland at Mile High Stadium.
Cornerback Louis Wright heads toward the end zone after recovering a Raider turnover during a game in Oakland.
Kicker Jim Turner is congratulated by guard Glenn Hyde and another teammate after a touchdown on a fake field goal against the Raiders in Oakland.
Quarterback Craig Morton scrambles from the rush of Raiders defensive tackle John Matuszak during a game against Oakland at Mile High Stadium.
Running back Sammy Winder runs over Raider defenders during a game in Los Angeles.
Wide receiver Haven Moses absorbs some punishment in the 1981 season opener against the Oakland Raiders.
Quarterback John Elway takes a snap during a December 24, 1995 win (31-28) against the Oakland Raiders.
Sammy Winder cuts up through a huge hole left in the Raider's offensive line.
Running back Sammy Winder breaks through the hole during a September 30, 1984 win (16-13) over the Raiders in Los Angeles.
Sammy Winder runs over a Raiders player.
Sammy Winder looks down the field during a game against the Raiders.
Quarterback Gary Kubiak runs from the Raider defense during an October 28, 1984 overtime win (22-19) at Los Angeles.
Running back Ken Bell catches a pass during a November 2, 1986 win (21-10) over the Raiders in Los Angeles.
Linebacker Dave Wyman strips the ball from a Raiders ball carrier during a December 24, 1995 win (31-28) at Oakland.
Quarterback John Elway takes a snap during a December 24, 1995 win (31-28) against the Oakland Raiders.
Linebacker Bill Romanowski scuffles with a Raider during a December 15, 1996 win (24-19) over Oakland.
Willie Green leaps for a deep pass against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
John Mobley celebrates after making a great defensive stand against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
Tyrone Braxton races up field after making an interception against the Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
Alfred Williams sacks Jeff George at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
Terrell Davis gives a Mile High salute against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 24, 1997.
Shannon Sharpe breaks free from the clutches of the Raiders rookie Charles Woodson against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA on September 20, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe shows off his new dance for the fans at Mile High after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
Jason Elam prepares for a field goal attempt against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
John Elway prepares to take the snap in front of a majestic sunset against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
The Raiders and Broncos prepare to do battle against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
Brian Griese looks for an open receiver downfield against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on October 10, 1999.
Trevor Pryce knocks the ball loose from Rich Gannon in overtime. He would then recover the fumble which help set-up the game-winning touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1999.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking a 53-yard field goal to help send the game into overtime against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1999.
Glenn Cadrez returns a Raiders interception against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1999.
Mike Anderson rushes the ball against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
Rod Smith makes an acrobatic reception against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
Terrell Buckley makes a tackle against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
Al Wilson lets the Raiders fans know that their team's attempt was no good against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
Bill Romanowski wraps up a Raiders running back for a minimal gain against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
The Broncos defense swarms up to stop the Raiders rushing attempt against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
Eric Brown makes a diving attempt to get to Rich Gannon against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 13, 2000.
Jason Elam celebrates after kicking the game winning field goal against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 13, 2000.
Bill Romanowski sacks Rich Gannon and causes a fumble against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 30, 2001.
Ian Gold celebrates after sacking Rich Gannon against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 30, 2001.
Bertrand Berry sacks Rich Gannon against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2003.
Jake Plummer scrambles out of the pocket for a 44-yard gain. This broke the Broncos record for a longest run by a quarterback previously held by Bubby Brister against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates the first touchdown at Invesco Field for the 2003 regular season against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2003.
Clinton Portis celebrates after his rushing touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, CA on November 30, 2003.
Peyton Hillis helps Michael Pittman celebrate after scored on a three yard run in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum September 8, 2008
Elvis Dumervil (92) zeros in on the football after Darren McFadden fumbles on September 27, 2009 at McAfee Coliseum.
Tim Tebow scrambles out of the pocket and upfield for a 19-yard gain in third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.com Coliseum in Oakland, Ca. November 6, 2011.
Denver Broncos Eddie Royal (19) celebrates his 26-yard catch-and run touchdown in third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.com Coliseum in Oakland, Ca. November 6, 2011.
Denver Broncos Chris Harris (25) celebrates his interception in third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.com Coliseum in Oakland, Ca. November 6, 2011.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) scores a touchdown during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders on September 30, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo credit: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) pressure Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during second quarter action against the Oakland Raiders on September 30, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo credit: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) carries the ball after a reception during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders on September 30, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo credit: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) reaches for the ball after Von Miller (58) sacked and forced a fumble on Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday Dec. 6, 2012 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mitch Unrein (96) recovered the fumble. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) reaches for the ball during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday Dec. 6, 2012 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) carries the ball after an interception during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday Dec. 6, 2012 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday Dec. 6, 2012 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) scores on a 13 yard catch-and-run at 3:46 during second quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field September 23, 2013.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) celebrates a defensive play during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field September 23, 2013.
Denver Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers (91) and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (99) pressure the quarterback during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on September 23, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws downfield during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA on December 29, 2013.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) celebrates a 32 yard touchdown reception during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA on November 9, 2014.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) takes a short outlet pass across field after eluding tacklers and completes a 51 yard run for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.Co Stadium in Oakland,CA November 9, 2014.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) tackles Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) after he fumbled the ball during second quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 28, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 28, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reaches out for a deep pass during 2nd quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.Co Coliseum in Oakland,CA October 11, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) returns an interception 74 yard for a touchdown during 4th quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.Co Coliseum in Oakland,CA October 11, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) stiff-arms Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) during third quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 1, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback EJ Manuel (3) during fourth quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., October 01, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos nose tackle Domata Peko (94) reacts after stopping Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) during first quarter against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., October 01, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colo., September 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos placekicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a game-winning field goal during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colo., September 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) carries the ball after a reception during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colo., September 16, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) dances after sacking Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety Trey Marshall (36) carries the ball after causing a fumble and recovering it during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws a touchdown pass to (FB/TE) Andrew Beck (83) during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos (FB/TE) Andrew Beck (83) celebrates with tight end Troy Fumagalli (84) after a touchdown during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) and safety Will Parks (34) break up a pass to Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) carries the ball after a reception during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Mike Purcell (98) celebrates after a play during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, December 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Broncos' regular-season opener isn't for another couple of months, but DenverBroncos.com is taking an early look at each game on the Broncos' 2020 schedule. We don't know how injuries could impact each contest, but we'll present the pressing storylines, matchups, questions and more.
We conclude with Denver's Week 17 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Storylines to monitor:
For the second consecutive season, the Broncos are scheduled to end the regular season against the Raiders. Last year, the Raiders entered Week 17 with slim playoff hopes, but the Broncos dashed those chances with a 16-15 win. Could a playoff berth be on the line again in 2020? Don't rule out both teams needing a win in order to advance to the postseason.
We'll also get another chance in this matchup to see Jerry Jeudy try to top Henry Ruggs III and earn bragging rights as the top rookie receiver. Could a big performance by Jeudy in this game seal a Rookie of the Year campaign?
Player to watch:
QB Derek Carr
Carr has found success in previous trips to Denver, including a 2018 appearance in which he completed 29 of 32 passes for 288 yards and a 114.6 quarterback rating. With his quick passing style, the Broncos have struggled in recent years to put pressure on him and bring him to the ground. Carr is efficient enough to beat anyone, and the Broncos will have their hands full in this Week 17 game. That is, ifCarr plays. If the Raiders struggle in 2020 and have been eliminated from the playoffs, is it possible that Marcus Mariota is under center for Las Vegas?
The question mark:
Do the Broncos have another game to prepare for?
We've now posted 16 previews about the Broncos' upcoming season, and this is really the only question that matters. After the 2020 regular season, will the Broncos be headed back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015? Denver improved in its first season under Head Coach Vic Fangio, and Drew Lock energized the team with a 4-1 stretch. There's been optimism in Denver all offseason — and for good reason. But if a new-look offense and upgraded defense don't lead to wins in 2020, the 4-1 finish in 2019 doesn't much matter. Perhaps the Broncos' playoff fate comes down to this Week 17 game, or perhaps it has been wrapped up weeks earlier. In either event, Denver's season can only be deemed a success if this isn't the last game they play.
The last meeting:
The Broncos and Raiders met to end the 2019 season, and in Lock's fifth and final start of the season, the Broncos jumped out to a 16-3 fourth-quarter lead. That wouldn't last long, though, as the Raiders added a pair of field goals and the Broncos struggled in the final frame. In Denver's final three possessions — not including a kneel down to end the game — Lock fumbled the ball, the Broncos went three-and-out and Brandon McManus missed a 57-yard field goal after an unnecessary roughness penalty on Garett Bolles. The Raiders marched down the field to score a touchdown, but with their slim playoff hopes dashed because of results elsewhere in the league, Oakland decided to go for two. As Carr looked to his left to throw to an open receiver, Shelby Harris knocked down the pass at the line to seal the win. With it, he guaranteed the Broncos' best AFC West record (3-3) since 2015.
