Denver Broncos Just Got BRUTAL Raiders News…
The Denver Broncos have just received some brutal AFC West news. One of our biggest rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, who we were hoping would continue their downward spiral, suddenly seem like a legitimate franchise again. That means two penciled-in wins for next year are now in jeopardy, and the AFC West just became even more competitive. However, we did get some good news regarding officiating changes in the NFL, along with updates on the future of key free agents on the Broncos’ roster. Let’s break it all down.
The Brutal News: Raiders Are Legit Again?
For years, the Broncos and the rest of the AFC West have counted on the Raiders’ instability as a guarantee of easy wins. Despite having some talented players, Las Vegas has suffered from poor coaching, a lack of a true franchise quarterback, and continued financial commitments to ex-coaches who are no longer in the NFL. However, that may be changing.
Reports indicate that the Raiders are seriously considering hiring Pete Carroll as their next head coach. Carroll is, without a doubt, the most competent coach the Raiders have had in decades. His experience and leadership alone could elevate this franchise. But that’s not all—there is also legitimate talk that veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford could be headed to Vegas.
Just imagine the difference: Instead of Antonio Pierce running the show with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew under center, the Raiders could suddenly feature Pete Carroll and Matthew Stafford. That alone could boost their win total by at least five games. Throw in a healthy Christian Wilkins, one of the best defensive tackles in the league, and Brock Bowers, arguably the best tight end in football, and the Raiders become a real threat.
We were hoping Las Vegas would hire Ben Johnson, a talented but unproven offensive mind who could have flamed out like the next Josh McDaniels. Instead, they’re making real moves. There was speculation that the Raiders could pursue Aaron Rodgers or even attempt a Pete Carroll-Russell Wilson reunion, but Stafford seems to be the name in focus.
To make matters worse, Tom Brady—arguably the greatest football mind ever—is now part of the Raiders’ ownership group. A competent owner changes everything, as we’ve seen with the Walton-Penner group in Denver. If Brady helps bring Stafford to Vegas, the AFC West will officially become the toughest division in the NFL.
The Good News: NFL Officiating Changes
One major frustration for Broncos fans has been the seemingly favorable officiating for the Kansas City Chiefs, especially since Travis Kelce started dating Taylor Swift. However, the NFL is reportedly implementing a new electronic measuring system that could help eliminate officiating bias.
We’ve seen several instances, like in the Buffalo Bills game, where first downs were mysteriously overturned. This new system should make calls more accurate and reduce human error—or subjective bias. While it won’t completely neutralize the Chiefs’ advantages, it’s a step in the right direction.
Broncos’ Free Agency Outlook
Now, shifting the focus to our own team, we have some important updates on key Broncos players heading into free agency.
General Manager George Paton is currently in discussions with the agents of defensive tackle D.J. Jones and wide receiver Courtland Sutton. While Sutton isn’t a game-changer, he is still a WR1 and will be crucial for Bo Nix’s development. D.J. Jones, on the other hand, has been praised by teammates, with Zach Allen calling him the best player he’s ever played with. Keeping him will be crucial for Denver’s defense, especially in stopping the run.
At the NFL Combine, Paton and Sean Payton are meeting with numerous prospects, but we shouldn’t read too much into which players they meet with. Last year, the Broncos met with 61 prospects, and only two of them ended up on the team. Payton is playing chess while others are playing checkers—some meetings are just smoke screens.
Another interesting note from Paton’s press conference: He did not mention linebacker Alex Singleton by name. While Singleton has been a solid contributor, his absence from Paton’s comments suggests he may not be in Denver next year, especially considering the cap space his departure would free up.
AFC West Will Be a War Zone
With a potentially competent Raiders organization, the Chiefs still dominant, and the Chargers looking to rebound under Jim Harbaugh, the AFC West is shaping up to be an all-out battle. The Broncos had been counting on the Raiders as an easy win, but now, with their potential upgrades, that cushion is gone.
Looking at Denver’s 2024 schedule, there are still some winnable games. Jacksonville, Tennessee, and the New York Giants don’t scare me, and I think Denver matches up well against the Colts and Texans. But we went from having four guaranteed wins to maybe only three.
If the Raiders do land Matthew Stafford, it will be even harder for the AFC West to send three teams to the playoffs since we’ll all be beating up on each other.
So, Broncos Country, let’s root for the Raiders to mess this up somehow. Maybe they overpay for Stafford, giving up multiple first-round picks, or maybe they go all-in on Shedeur Sanders, who won’t be ready to take them to the playoffs in the next couple of years. Anything to keep Vegas from becoming a true contender.
One thing’s for sure—this division is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Buckle up, Broncos fans, because we’re in for a wild ride.
