The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders will kick off the 2023 NFL season on Sunday in a highly anticipated matchup between two division rivals. The game will mark the beginning of a new era in the AFC West, with both teams looking to establish themselves as the top team in the division.
The Broncos are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season, but they have made some major changes in the offseason. They traded for quarterback Russell Wilson, signed wide receiver Davante Adams, and hired new head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The Raiders also made some big moves, trading for wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and signing pass rusher Chandler Jones.
The game will feature a number of intriguing matchups, including the quarterback duel between Wilson and Derek Carr. Wilson is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, while Carr is a proven winner. The two quarterbacks will be looking to lead their teams to victory in the season opener.
Another key matchup to watch will be the battle between the two teams’ pass rushes. The Broncos have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, led by Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. The Raiders also have a strong pass rush, led by Jones and Maxx Crosby. The team that can get to the quarterback first will have a big advantage in the game.
The game will also be a test for the two teams’ new head coaches. Hackett is making his head coaching debut, while Josh McDaniels is in his first season with the Raiders. Both coaches will be looking to get their teams off to a good start and establish their own identity.
The Broncos and Raiders are two of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL, so this game is sure to be a close one. The outcome of the game could have a big impact on the AFC West race.
Here are some other things to watch for in the game:
- The play of the running game. Both teams have good running games, so the play of the running game could be a deciding factor in the game. The team that can establish the run will have a better chance of winning.
- The turnovers. Turnovers can be a game-changer in any NFL game, so both teams will be looking to avoid them. The team that can create more turnovers will have a better chance of winning.
- The crowd noise. The game will be played at Empower Field at Mile High, which is one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. The home crowd will be looking to make it a difficult day for the Raiders.
The Broncos and Raiders are two evenly matched teams, so this game is sure to be a close one. The outcome of the game could have a big impact on the AFC West race. The new era in the AFC West begins on Sunday, and it will be one to watch.
