The Las Vegas Raiders will visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 10th, in Week 1 of the 2023 season. Both teams are looking to take a step forward after finishing under .500 last season.
The Raiders were 6-11 last season and finished third in the AFC West. Las Vegas was 3-3 in divisional play and 5-7 in conference play. The Broncos were 5-12 last season and finished fourth in the AFC West. Denver was 1-5 in divisional play and 3-9 in conference play.
Take a look at which players will help you in this week’s fantasy action.
Raiders vs. Broncos Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
| Las Vegas Raiders | +5.5 (-110) | Over 44 (-110) | +200 |
| Denver Broncos | -5.5 (-110) | Under 44 (-110) | -240 |
Raiders vs. Broncos Start ‘Em
Las Vegas Raiders
Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs finished the 2022 season with a league-leading 1653 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. The first-team All-Pro added a career-high 400 receiving yards on 53 receptions. He had 253 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in two games against the Broncos last season. Jacobs also caught eight passes for 82 yards. His success against Denver last season represents a career trend, as he has 721 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in seven career games against his divisional rival. He has added 15 receptions for 158 receiving yards. Look for Jacobs to have another big game.
Davante Adams
Davante Adams was able to continue to produce at an elite level despite no longer catching passes from Aaron Rodgers. He had 1516 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns on 100 receptions catching passes. The first-team All-Pro caught 16 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in two games against Denver last season. Expect Adams to continue his production as he has another big game against his divisional rival.
Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton looks like he is in line to have a big game in the season opener. Sutton caught ten passes for 132 yards and one touchdown against Las Vegas in 2022. Furthermore, the Broncos could be without their lead wideout Jerry Jeudy to start the season. Look for Sutton, who finished last season with 64 receptions for 829 receiving yards and two touchdowns, to provide strong value.
Raiders vs. Broncos Sit ‘Em
Austin Hooper
Austin Hooper has provided value from the tight-end position for much of his career. While that may be the case in 2023, he will split snaps with second-round draft pick Michael Mayer. Furthermore, the trio of Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Hunter Renfrow should see most of the targets for the Raiders. Don’t expect Hooper to have a big game.
Denver D/ST
While they have struggled in recent seasons, the Denver Broncos have been strong on the defensive side of the football. Despite this, the Las Vegas Raiders offense has had no issue putting up points against their divisional rival. The Raiders have averaged 29.0 points per game during their six-game winning streak against the Broncos. Although Denver’s defense may have long-term value, don’t expect them to get off to a strong start.
Raiders vs. Broncos Sleeper Pick
Daniel Carlson
Daniel Carlson has quietly been one of the most reliable kickers in the league over the past several seasons. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2021 and a first-team All-Pro in 2022. Carlson connected on seven field goals and three extra points against Denver last season. In nine career games against the Broncos, he has knocked down 20 field goals and 22 extra points. Look for Carlson to remain reliable to start the 2023 season.
Raiders vs. Broncos Fade ‘Em
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson had a legendary run under center for the Seattle Seahawks. His first season as a member of the Denver Broncos did not go as planned. However, the organization has hopes the hiring of head coach Sean Payton can rejuvenate the nine-time Pro Bowler. While Wilson’s down year as a passer has been highly scrutinized, his regression as a runner has been overlooked. While a bounceback can’t be ruled out, the Broncos quarterback can’t be counted on.
