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The Las Vegas Raiders rushing game finally came to life in a game where they needed it most, improving to over .500 for the first time since Thanksgiving Day.
The Raiders beat the Denver Broncos, 17-13, from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Sunday, Dec. 26.
It’s the first two-game win streak for Las Vegas since late October. In addition, it’s the team’s third win in the last eight outings.
Moreover, the win secured a season sweep for the Raiders over the Broncos following a 10-point win in Denver in Week 6.
That game was interim head coach’s Rich Bisaccia’s first game since taking over for former head coach Jon Gruden.
His most recent win over Denver sent him to a 5-5 record in his new role.
Overall, Las Vegas is 8-7 on the year and continues to tread water in the AFC playoff hunt.
The journey will continue with a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Jan. 2.
Kickoff is set for 10 a.m.
Running back Josh Jacobs matched a career-high with 129 yards on 27 carries, helping to lead the Raiders to a much-needed win over their divisional opponent.
The success running the ball helped the team convert on four of its first five third down attempts.
On the other hand, the Las Vegas defense was holding the Denver offense to 1-of-4 on its first handful of attempts.
By the end of the game, the Raiders were 50% (6-of-12) on third down but the Broncos were locked at 10% (1-of-10).
For a moment in the third quarter, Las Vegas held a 100-13 advantage in rush yards.
It wasn’t completely perfect for Jacobs as he coughed the ball up via fumble in the second quarter allowing Denver to scoop it up.
He flirted with another turnover in the second half but the fumble was overturned after a review.
Backup running back Peyton Barber capped off the drive with a touchdown later.
Quarterback Derek Carr had an up-and-down game finishing with 201 yards through the air on 20-of-25 passing with a touchdown and an interception.
Once again he got the Raiders on the board first with a drive capped by his lone touchdown pass.
Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow scored the touchdown from 10 yards out.
That catch was No. 91 on the season, tying Hall-of-Famer Tim Brown for third all-time in a single season for the franchise.
Renfrow finished with 40 yards on three receptions with a touchdown. He still has two more games to join Brown as the only Raider receivers with 100 or more catches in a season.
Carr’s struggles began to come along late in the first half after he threw an interception on a screen pass.
That marked the third straight game where he’s thrown an interception.
In addition, it set up the only Denver touchdown on the day, leading to the Broncos’ first lead against the Raiders this season.
Carr was also sacked on a 3rd and 6 late in the third quarter and would head immediately to the medical tent.
He would return and finish the game.
Kicker Daniel Carlson made his only field goal attempt of the day, increasing his longest active streak of field goals made at home.
In addition, the Raiders were aided by a missed field goal on the other side from Broncos kicker Brandon McManus.
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