Ranking the 25 biggest NFL rivalries of all time

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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 17: Kendall Hinton #9 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Denzel Perryman #52 and Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders during a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 17, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

11. Top NFL Rivalries – Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders

All-Time History: Raiders lead 68-54-2
First Meeting: Oct. 2, 1960 (Broncos 31, Raiders 14)
Last Meeting: Oct. 17, 2021 (Raiders 34, Broncos 24)
Postseason History: Tied 1-1

This bitter grudge match dates back to the early days of the AFL as the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders have shared a division since they were born in 1960. The Raiders dominated the series early on since Denver didn’t reach the postseason until 1977 but after that things became much more intense.

The sides have met twice in the playoffs, including a 20-17 win by Denver during their first postseason appearance in 1978. The Raiders returned the favor in the 1994 playoffs, knocking out the Broncos with a 42-24 win after winning the regular-season finale between the two teams a week earlier to set up the rematch.

The two teams have also seen plenty of players and coaches land on both sides of the rivalry, including head coach Mike Shanahan, linebacker Bill Romanowski, and cornerback Willie Brown. That sense of familiarity certainly enhances this rivalry along with the fact these teams have played in a lot of memorable games over the years.

Since the early dominance of the Raiders, the series has leveled out a bit, with the largest split over a decade span since 1980 being Denver’s 13-7 series edge over the Raiders in the 2000s. Games between the Broncos and Raiders are often very physical, leading to some entertaining and passionate football for their fans to enjoy.

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