The Denver Broncos are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines we’ll be keeping an eye on this weekend.
1. Blake Watson’s potential NFL debut: Assuming Tyler Badie (back) won’t be cleared to play, Denver’s three other running backs available will be Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Blake Watson (Audric Estime is not eligible to return from IR until Week 6). Watson was a healthy scratch for each of the team’s first four games, but it’s hard to imagine the Broncos going into the Raiders game with just two RBs.
2. Backup linebacker rotation: After losing Alex Singleton to a season-ending knee injury, the Broncos signed veterans Zach Cunningham and Kwon Alexander to the practice squad. Denver opted to elevate rookie Levelle Bailey to the game-day roster to serve as the No. 4 inside linebacker last week. Will it be Bailey again, or will the Broncos give Cunningham or Alexander a look this week?
3. Broncos’ run game vs. Raiders defense: Williams and McLaughlin finally got back on track last week and they’ll have a good opportunity to keep the momentum going against Las Vegas. The Raiders are allowing 137.5 rushing yards per game, ninth-most in the NFL.
4. Bo Nix’s sack and turnover streak: Nix has gone two straight weeks without taking a sack or throwing an interception. This is the first time Broncos quarterbacks have avoided being sacked in consecutive weeks since 2016. Can he continue that streak against Las Vegas? It will be easier if Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle) is not able to suit up.
5. Can Denver snap losing streak? The Broncos have lost eight straight games to the Raiders, including a 0-2 mark with new coach Sean Payton. Going up against their oldest rival, they’ll aim to end that streak in Week 5.
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