Cheers…  … to Marvin Mims Jr., a serious weapon on special teams and the best Broncos return man since Rick Upchurch. Now why can’t the Broncos involve Mims on offense? His 48-yard punt return for a touchdown was a thing of beauty. It also solidified his status as a top-five return man — in terms of yardage — in team history. Entering Sunday, his average punt return of 15.7 yards was a Broncos record among players with more than 10 returns. But on a roster that lacks game-breakers, Mims often is a ghost in the game plan. He has only three catches over the past four games. What gives? With Mims’ wheels, maybe those Bo Nix overthrows won’t be overthrows. Denver Broncos’ Marvin Mims Jr. (19) celebrates after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Candice Ward) Boo…  … the Raiders, the Colorado Rockies of the NFL. Las Vegas is 2-11 without a clear plan. At least the Rockies now have a roadmap with the recent additions to the front office, Paul DePodesta and Josh Byrnes. Meanwhile, the Raiders are on the road to nowhere. Pete Carroll looks miserable, and that’s not like him. Quarterback Geno Smith leads the NFL in interceptions. The Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since 2002. It’s hard to see a path to success, especially in the AFC West, where the Raiders have lost 11 straight division games. It’s similar to the Rockies, who forever are looking up at the Dodgers, Padres and Giants in the National League West. Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll reacts on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Las Vegas, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Cheers… … to the Broncos’ offensive line. How did the Broncos pile up 152 rushing yards, 72 plays on offense and three scoring drives that wasted at least 8 minutes? It starts with Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz, Luke Wattenberg, Alex Palczewski and Garett Bolles. It was uncharacteristic for Bo Nix to be sacked three times. But only 8 yards were lost, and the Broncos still lead the NFL in fewest sacks allowed this season with 17. Throw in 75 rushing yards from RJ Harvey, who set a new career high, and the Broncos offensive line earned five game balls in Las Vegas. Expect a bigger challenge next Sunday from the Packers and star linebacker Micah Parsons. Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey, right, runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Boo…  … not much, really. That’s four straight wins over the Raiders, who had won eight straight over the Broncos before Sean Payton prioritized wins over division rivals. It had been a decade since the Broncos won four straight over the Raiders. The tide has turned, elevating the Broncos and swamping the Raiders. Broncos Country taking over Allegiant Stadium was not unique; over 50% of Raiders season-ticket holders reside outside of Nevada. But after starting 0-3 at Allegiant Stadium, the Broncos now have a winning streak on The Strip. The Raiders currently hold the No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft. The Broncos possess the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) celebrates with fans after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) ...read more read less