Defensive Dominance Sought in Week 13 for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders enter a make-or-break Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos—with their playoff hopes hanging on every win—their focus has sharpened on a critical goal: achieving defensive dominance. After bolstering their defensive line via midseason trades for Chandler Jones and Dalvin Tomlinson, the Raiders have seen incremental improvements, but Week 13 presents a chance to prove their defense can control a game from start to finish. The Broncos, while struggling offensively (ranking 22nd in total yards per game), still pose threats with running back Javonte Williams and a young receiving corps that can exploit mismatches. For the Raiders, shutting down these threats and forcing turnovers isn’t just a game plan—it’s a statement that their defense is now a playoff-caliber unit. Defensive Dominance Sought in Week 13 for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the Raiders’ defensive strategy, key player matchups, and how a dominant performance could reshape their postseason trajectory.

A cornerstone of the Raiders’ pursuit of defensive dominance in Week 13 is neutralizing the Broncos’ run game, which centers on Javonte Williams’ physical style (4.3 yards per carry this season). The Raiders’ defensive line—now fortified by Tomlinson’s interior presence—has been tasked with clogging running lanes and forcing Williams to the sidelines, where linebackers Denzel Perryman and Divine Deablo can use their speed to make tackles. In practice this week, the Raiders have emphasized “gap discipline” drills, ensuring each defensive lineman holds their assigned gap to prevent Williams from finding cutback lanes. “Javonte is a back who thrives on creating chaos—we can’t let him bounce runs outside or find holes up the middle,” said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Tomlinson, who has recorded 12 tackles and a pass deflection in his three games with the Raiders, will be key here: his ability to take on double teams frees Perryman and Deablo to flow to the ball. The Raiders are also planning to use more “8-man boxes” in short-yardage situations, a look that dares the Broncos to throw rather than lean on Williams. Defensive Dominance Sought in Week 13 for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that stopping the run isn’t just about limiting yards—it’s about forcing the Broncos into predictable passing situations where the Raiders’ pass rush can take over.

Another critical element of the Raiders’ defensive dominance plan is unleashing their revamped pass rush, led by Chandler Jones, against the Broncos’ struggling offensive line (which has allowed 34 sacks this season). Jones, who has 3 sacks and a forced fumble in his three games as a Raider, will line up primarily against Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles—a matchup the Raiders see as a potential mismatch. In practice, Jones has worked on countermoves to beat Bolles’ aggressive blocking style, focusing on quick inside spins and speed rushes to get to quarterback Russell Wilson. “Chandler’s ability to win one-on-one is a game-changer,” Graham said. “We’re going to give him opportunities to exploit that matchup, whether it’s lining him up on the edge or shifting him inside on passing downs.” The Raiders are also planning to use more blitz packages, with Perryman and safety Tre’von Moehrig coming from the secondary to confuse Wilson and disrupt his timing. The goal? Force Wilson into hurried throws and create turnovers—something the Raiders have struggled with (just 8 interceptions this season). Defensive Dominance Sought in Week 13 for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that a consistent pass rush is the backbone of the Raiders’ defensive hopes, as it can mask secondary vulnerabilities and swing momentum in their favor.

The Las Vegas Raiders are also focusing on limiting the Broncos’ big-play potential, a weakness that has plagued the Raiders’ defense (allowing 18 plays of 20+ yards in the past five games). To address this, the Raiders have spent extra time in practice working on deep coverage, with cornerbacks Amik Robertson and Jakorian Bennett practicing “trail technique” to stay with the Broncos’ speedier receivers, like Jerry Jeudy. The Raiders are also using more “two-high safety” looks, with Moehrig and Johnathan Abram splitting deep coverage to prevent post routes and deep crosses—plays the Broncos have used to generate big gains this season. “Big plays kill momentum—we can’t let them hit a 40-yard pass to get back in the game,” said Robertson, who has 2 interceptions and 5 pass deflections this season. The Las Vegas Raiders have also studied film of Wilson’s tendency to extend plays with his legs, practicing “containment drills” to keep him in the pocket and prevent him from scrambling for big gains. Defensive Dominance Sought in Week 13 for the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ focus on limiting big plays is about controlling the game’s tempo, ensuring the Broncos can’t score quickly and shift the momentum.

Mental preparation is another key component of the Las Vegas Raiders’ quest for defensive dominance, as the team looks to avoid the costly mistakes (penalties, missed assignments) that have derailed past performances. This week, Graham led a series of “situation rooms” where defensive players walked through hypothetical game scenarios—like third-and-5 with 2 minutes left, or red-zone stands—to ensure everyone knows their role. The Las Vegas Raiders have also brought in former NFL defensive back Charles Woodson to speak to the team about the mindset needed for dominant defense, emphasizing focus and consistency. “Charles talked about how every play matters—even a small mistake can turn a stop into a touchdown,” said Deablo. The Raiders have also used film study to highlight the Broncos’ tendencies in key situations, like Wilson’s preference to throw to the right side on third down, giving the defense a mental edge. Defensive Dominance Sought in Week 13 for the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ mental prep is just as important as physical drills, as defensive dominance often hinges on avoiding lapses in focus.

As kickoff nears, the Las Vegas Raiders know that a dominant defensive performance in Week 13 could be the catalyst they need for a playoff push. A win over the Broncos would move them within a game of the AFC West lead, and a defense that shuts down Williams, sacks Wilson multiple times, and forces turnovers would send a clear message to the rest of the league. The Las Vegas Raiders’ players have embraced this moment, with Jones noting, “This is why they brought me here—to help this defense take the next step. Week 13 is our chance to show what we’re capable of.” Graham echoed that sentiment, adding, “Dominance isn’t about one play—it’s about 60 minutes of executing. If we do that, we’ll walk away with a win.” For fans, the stakes are high: a dominant defense could turn the Raiders from a “maybe” playoff team into a legitimate contender. Defensive Dominance Sought in Week 13 for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 13 matchup isn’t just another game—it’s an opportunity to prove their defense is now a force to be reckoned with. If they can achieve the dominance they’re seeking, their playoff dreams could quickly turn into reality.