Broncos Edge Raiders 10-7: NFL Fans Vent Frustration Over Ugly Win
In a gritty, low-scoring affair that embodied the AFC West rivalry’s intensity, the Denver Broncos survived the Las Vegas Raiders 10-7 on Thursday Night Football (November 6, 2025), improving to 8-2 while dropping the Raiders to 2-7. The game, played at Empower Field at Mile High amid gusty winds, featured a dominant Broncos defense that stifled Las Vegas’ offense, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on self-inflicted wounds. However, Denver’s own offense sputtered—managing just 197 total yards and zero first downs in the first quarter—leading to a barrage of fan backlash online. What should have been a triumphant seventh straight win felt more like a grind for many, with supporters calling it everything from “the ugliest victory imaginable” to a “silver platter giveaway” that the Raiders somehow fumbled.
Game Highlights and Key Plays
- Raiders Strike First: Las Vegas opened with a 4-yard touchdown run by rookie RB Ashton Jeanty (60 yards on 19 carries), capitalizing on a short field after a shanked punt by Denver’s Jeremy Crawshaw. This gave the visitors a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.
- Broncos Tie It: QB Bo Nix connected with WR Troy Franklin on a 6-yard slant TD late in the first half, knotting the score at 7-7 after a 44-yard bomb to Payton Bryant set up the drive.
- Defensive Masterclass Seals It: No second-half scores until K Wil Lutz’s game-winning 28-yard field goal with 1:52 left, set up by a blocked punt return to the Raiders’ 33-yard line. LB Dondrea Tillman’s interception and return sparked the final drive, while RB J.K. Dobbins iced it with 25 yards on the closing possession (77 yards total).
- Raiders’ Demise: Nine penalties (including two negated TDs on rookie errors), a missed 48-yard FG by Daniel Carlson, and an interception off a Jeanty drop doomed Vegas. QB Geno Smith managed just 162 yards with one pick, sacked four times.
| Stat Category | Broncos | Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 197 | 248 |
| Passing Yards | 142 (Nix: 15/22, 1 TD) | 162 (Smith: 18/28, 1 INT) |
| Rushing Yards | 55 (Dobbins: 77) | 86 (Jeanty: 60, 1 TD) |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Penalties | 5 (-35 yards) | 9 (-78 yards) |
| Time of Possession | 28:42 | 31:18 |
| 3rd-Down Efficiency | 3/12 | 4/13 |
The Broncos’ defense, echoing the legendary Orange Crush era, held Vegas to 3.1 yards per carry and just 16 points allowed in their last four games combined. Offensively, though, Denver’s woes—penalties, poor protection, and conservative play-calling under OC Sean Payton—drew sharp criticism.
Fan Reactions: Outspoken and Divided
NFL fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) post-game, with Broncos supporters torn between celebrating the streak and slamming the execution, while Raiders fans lamented squandered opportunities. The discourse was raw, blending memes of “ugly wins” with calls for coaching changes. Here’s a snapshot of the most vocal sentiments:
- Broncos Fans’ Mixed Emotions: Many hailed the defense but ripped the offense. “This is the worst win I’ve ever seen. No one on this offense deserves it. Rizzi got to go,” tweeted @JustTalkinHoops, echoing frustration with special teams and QB Bo Nix’s overthinking. @TroyRenck, a Denver Post columnist, summed it up: “#DenverBroncos win ugly. Like flinch on sight ugly… The Broncos will not be taken seriously as an AFC Super Contender until they beat the Chiefs.” Optimists like @TD3OH3 pushed back: “Ugly? Obviously. But I don’t give a shit. If y’all wanna bitch about being 8-2, then go right ahead.”
- Raiders Fans’ Rage: Vegas supporters were apoplectic over penalties and missed chances. “The Broncos did everything they could to HAND US THIS GAME!!!! … This team is allergic to wins!!” vented @SwtHarvickFan4 after two rookie penalties wiped out TDs. @Rdrneil added, “Much better game than I expected and minus the penalties we would’ve won.” Neutral takes, like @stubbo242’s “Raiders wanted to lose that game. Got Broncos fans thinking their team is good,” amplified the schadenfreude.
- Broader Buzz: Instant reaction podcasts lit up, with @MileHighHuddle calling it a “Gut Reaction: Broncos Beat Raiders in Ug-Fest.” @ZacStevensDNVR praised the “throwback defense” for carrying the load to 8-2. Overall, engagement spiked, with #BroncosCountry trending alongside #RaiderNation gripes.
This win cements Denver as the AFC’s top team (tied with Buffalo and Baltimore), but the fan outcry underscores the pressure ahead—especially with the Chiefs looming in Week 11. Will the Broncos clean up the sloppiness, or is this a sign of deeper issues? Fans, sound off: Was it a “W is a W” moment, or cause for concern?