December 7, 2025
Recent Meetings and 2024–2025 Context
The rivalry remained active through the 2024–2025 seasons with notable moments such as Patrick Surtain II's 100-yard interception return on October 6, 2024 that ended an eight-game losing streak for Denver against the Raiders, and Denver's 24–17 victory on December 7, 2025 that affected playoff positioning [11][13][14]. These recent results show the rivalry's ongoing competitive relevance.
Quick Facts
What Happened
Across the 2024 and 2025 seasons the Broncos–Raiders rivalry continued to produce decisive plays and meaningful outcomes. On October 6, 2024, Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, a play recorded as breaking an eight-game losing streak Denver had suffered against the Raiders and swinging momentum in that season's divisional context [11]. Later, on December 7, 2025, the Broncos defeated the Raiders 24–17 in a road meeting that had implications for AFC seeding and the Broncos' standing; Mile High Report and local outlets documented the game and its impact on Denver's pursuit of a top seed [13][14]. These recent meetings show the rivalry continuing to produce individual highlight plays and implications for playoff positioning, with both teams fielding rosters that blend veteran leadership and younger contributors. Contemporary coverage situates these games in the long rivalry arc, noting how single plays — a 100-yard pick-six or a late-game defensive stop — remain decisive in head-to-head outcomes [11][13][14].
Why It Matters
These recent moments matter because they demonstrate the rivalry's continuity and its present-day stakes: divisional matchups still influence playoff races and generate game-defining plays. Patrick Surtain II's 100-yard interception return is an example of a singular defensive play altering the series' recent run, while the Dec. 7, 2025 victory for Denver shows that regular-season meetings still have tangible postseason implications [11][13][14].
Aftermath
Following the 2024 interception and the 2025 meeting, both teams adjusted roster and strategic plans with an eye toward divisional competition. Denver's reversal of an eight-game skid provided confidence for subsequent matchups, while the 2025 win helped Denver in its seeding trajectory as reported by Mile High Report. The recent incidents are cataloged in ongoing rivalry histories and feed into season narratives for coaches, players, and fans [11][13][14].
Sources
- Aqib Talib, Michael Crabtree ejected after punches, shoves turn into sideline brawl - ESPN (November 26, 2017)
- Aqib Talib, Michael Crabtree ejected following skirmish - NFL.com (November 26, 2017)
- Michael Crabtree, Aqib Talib each suspended two games without pay for fighting - CBS Sports (November 28, 2017)
- 77: Denver, The Broncos, and a Coming of Age (book page) - Simon & Schuster / Terry Frei (book) (November 28, 2007)
- Raiders Trounce Broncos, 24-14 (1977 game report) - The Washington Post (October 31, 1977)
- NFL's Best Conference Championship Games (including Jan 1, 1978 Broncos 20, Raiders 17) - Sports Illustrated (January 15, 2015)
- Raiders Dismantle Broncos 59-14 (team recap) - Raiders.com (official team site) (October 24, 2010)
- Raiders 59, Broncos 14 (Game recap) - ESPN (October 24, 2010)
- Raiders set team scoring mark, rout Broncos 59-14 - Colorado Springs Gazette (October 24, 2010)
- The 10 Most Memorable Moments in the Raiders–Broncos Rivalry - Bleacher Report (September 24, 2009)
- Broncos defeat Raiders and retake top seed in AFC (MileHighReport, Dec 7, 2025) - MileHighReport (December 7, 2025)
- Winners and Losers from the Broncos 24-17 victory over the Raiders (Dec 7, 2025) - MileHighReport (December 7, 2025)