After a fast start for the Las Vegas Raiders in all three phases of the game, the team fell flat in the second half, losing to the Denver Broncos, 29-19.
Things were rolling for the Raiders in the first half, with the offense and special teams complimenting each other well. Some electricity came out of the running back room despite Alexander Mattison and Zamir White both out with injuries. Rookie Dylan Laube sprinted for a 59-yard kickoff return following a Broncos field goal on the second drive of the game. Laube's return was the longest in franchise history since 2019.
In good field position from the rookie's return, Gardner Minshew II found Ameer Abdullah for a six-yard touchdown pass to close the drive and give the Raiders the lead.
Later in the first half, special teams got tricky as All-Pro AJ Cole faked a punt and connected with linebacker Divine Deablo for a grab-and-go 34-yard reception to convert on fourth down. It made Cole the first Raiders punter to complete a pass since Shane Lechler on November 4, 2012. Extending the drive led to Daniel Carlson knocking down a 34-yarder to make it 10-6.
The Raiders defense held steadfast throughout the first half, not allowing the Broncos to enter the end zone. While penalties and a few explosive gains put Denver in scoring position, Tyree Wilson dialed up the heat to help corral the Broncos, recording 1.0 sack and two tackles for loss in the first half.
Broncos kicker Will Lutz settled for three goals made from 38, 53 and 54 yards out.
On the Raiders' last possession of the first half, the offense went 54 yards down the field for Daniel Carlson to make a 34-yarder that brought a 13-9 Raiders lead going into halftime.
The tables began to turn in the second half, with Minshew overthrowing Jakobi Meyers and the pass landing in safety Brandon Jones' hands for an interception. This led to the Broncos ultimately retaking the lead with a 18-yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton.
The two teams exchanged field goals heading into the late stretch of the game, and then Nix found Sutton for his second touchdown pass of the day. While the Raiders defense held the rookie quarterback to under 60 percent completion percentage, he threw for 273 yards and no interceptions.
With the game on the line, the offense needed to drive down the field to score a game-tying field goal. However, Minshew suffered an shoulder injury after being sacked and Desmond Ridder stepped in.
Following a three-yard rush from the quarterback, linebacker Nik Bonitto strip-sacked Ridder and the Broncos recovered in their own territory.
The Raiders move to 2-9 on the season and will be working on a short week, now tasked with facing the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) and defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) and running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) and quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) and guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) celebrates after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) celebrates after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) and wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and run game coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Caldwell during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fans during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 53-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kana'i Mauga (43) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and safety Thomas Harper (34) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 22-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) and guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
