Broncos coaches and players understand the importance of Raiders Week

The Denver Broncos finally snapped a 16-game losing streak to the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Because that particular streak was so lengthy, it overshadowed another active losing streak in the AFC West.

The Broncos have also lost eight-straight games to the Las Vegas Raiders, including 17-16 and 27-14 losses under coach Sean Payton last season. This week, Denver will get a chance to snap the losing streak against Las Vegas.

“Look, it’s a division opponent,” Payton said Wednesday. “It’s our first chance to play a division opponent [this year]. Last year, we finished 3-3 in the division. I can’t recall a team that has accomplished anything worthwhile finishing .500 in your division.

“Then you take a team like Las Vegas. There’s a long story history and certainly I appreciate that, especially with our fans. It’s our job to play our best football this Sunday and get ready to play.”

The Broncos and Raiders have been division rivals since they were founding members of the AFL in 1960. Payton just joined the team last year, but wide receiver Courtland Sutton is in his eighth season in Denver and he’s only beaten Las Vegas two times in his career.

“It’s very important,” Sutton said of winning AFC West games. “Obviously, divisional games are important because they have a lot to say about your season moving forward. Obviously to get those divisional wins and getting that first seed in your division means a lot for the playoffs.

“This game is very important and the weeks moving forward. We really have to hone in, study on the gameplan and make sure we come out victorious.”

This rivalry has been going on for 64 years, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix is set to get his first taste of it in his fifth game in the NFL.

“I’ve been able to get a sense of it a little bit,” Nix said of what the game means to the Broncos and their fans. “I don’t think you really truly understand I think until you play in your first one. I’m excited to play Sunday.

“I know it’s important for this organization. I know it has been for a long time. The players, we don’t take it lightly. So we’re going to go out there and compete at a high level, and I know they will too. It’s going to be a fun football game.”

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox. The Broncos are considered favorites at home this week.