The Las Vegas Raiders may have lost last week to Jacksonville, but their offense finally showed signs of life. Brock Bowers returned with a bang, Ashton Jeanty found the end zone through the air, and Geno Smith delivered four touchdowns.
Now comes the test: a road date with the Denver Broncos, whose defense has been among the league’s best. Meanwhile, Bo Nix and company are rolling, with Nix tossing eight touchdowns over his last three games. Expect points, but not everywhere you might want them.
🔥 Fantasy Quick Start Table
| Player | Team | Pos | Matchup Outlook | Start Meter (1–10) | Fantasy Take |
| Bo Nix | DEN | QB | vs LV | 🔥 9 | Red-hot stretch continues |
| JK Dobbins | DEN | RB | vs LV | 💪 7 | Reliable floor, upside if he scores |
| RJ Harvey | DEN | FLEX (RB) | vs LV | ⚡ 8 | Great PPR option with TD potential |
| Courtland Sutton | DEN | WR | vs LV | 🔥 8 | Red-zone machine, WR2 lock |
| Troy Franklin | DEN | FLEX (WR) | vs LV | 💪 6.5 | Trending up after 10 targets |
| Broncos Defense | DEN | DEF | vs LV | 🔥 9 | Excellent matchup vs Geno Smith |
| Ashton Jeanty | LV | RB | @ DEN | 💪 7 | Versatile, solid RB2 option |
| Brock Bowers | LV | TE | @ DEN | 🔥 8.5 | Target monster, must start |
| Tre Tucker | LV | FLEX (WR) | @ DEN | ⚡ 6 | Sleeper play, deep FLEX only |
| Geno Smith | LV | QB | @ DEN | ❌ 4 | Risky vs elite defense |
| Raiders Defense | LV | DEF | @ DEN | ❌ 3 | Hard fade this week |
🔥 Denver Starts
Bo Nix, QB, Broncos
Mahommes has been unstoppable lately, throwing 8 touchdowns in his last three games and showing complete command of the offense. Against a shaky Raiders secondary that just allowed 4 TDs to Geno Smith, Nix is a top-8 fantasy QB this week. Pencil him in for 250+ yards and 2–3 scores.
JK Dobbins, RB, Broncos
Dobbins has quietly posted steady production every week, and he’s due for a touchdown. He’s giving you double-digit fantasy points even without scoring, making him a safe RB2 play in all formats.
RJ Harvey, FLEX (RB), Broncos
Harvey’s been a sneaky gem in the passing game, finding the end zone multiple times in recent weeks. With byes thinning the running back pool, Harvey is a perfect PPR FLEX, especially if the Broncos get him involved early on screens and dump-offs.
Broncos’ RJ Harvey Quietly Leads NFL in Major Fantasy Football Stat via Heavy.com
Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
Sutton continues to dominate in the red zone, catching yet another touchdown last week. He’s the clear WR1 in this passing attack and should see 6–8 targets again. Lock him in as a solid WR2 with touchdown upside.
Broncos Defense
This defense has been lights-out, holding opponents under 20 points in three straight games. Facing Geno Smith and an inconsistent Raiders O-line, the Broncos D/ST has top-5 potential this week.
💪 Troy Franklin, WR, Broncos
Franklin’s 10 targets last week suggest a bigger breakout is coming. While he’s not yet a weekly lock, he’s worth a FLEX spot if you’re looking for upside in a plus matchup.
💥 Raiders Starts
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders
Jeanty’s involvement in the passing game gives him a safe floor. Expect Las Vegas to use him heavily as a checkdown outlet to slow down the Broncos’ pass rush. He’s a solid RB2/FLEX with sneaky PPR appeal.
Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders
Bowers looked every bit the superstar last week, commanding double-digit targets and creating mismatches all over the field. The Raiders have to keep feeding him. He’s a must-start TE1 this week, even against a strong defense.
Raiders’ Tre Tucker: New No. 1 on depth chart in Vegas – Rotowire Staff cbssports.com
💪 Tre Tucker, WR, Raiders
Tucker’s role is expanding after recent roster moves. He’s a speculative FLEX play in deeper leagues: if his targets climb again this week, he could be a midseason sleeper worth stashing.
🚫 Sit ’Em
Geno Smith, QB, Raiders
Don’t chase last week’s box score. Smith shredded Jacksonville, but this week he faces one of the stingiest defenses in the league. He’s a QB2 at best and should remain on your bench unless you’re in a superflex league.
Raiders Defense
This unit has no business being in your lineup against Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offensive rhythm. Expect 24+ points allowed and limited takeaway opportunities. Stay far away.
📊 Game Prediction
Broncos 31, Raiders 17
Denver rolls at home behind Bo Nix’s efficiency and the defense’s pressure. Start your Broncos confidently, and stick to Bowers and Jeanty if you’re relying on the Raiders for production. Everyone else? You can safely sit them.
