The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s game between the Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas:

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 24, Raiders 20

If football gods are such a thing, they will send Indiana Hoosiers quarterback and future Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders. Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Bo Nix and Mendoza in the AFC West? Sign me up for the best quarterback division in football. Lord knows Vegas needs a QB.

Overall record: 8-4

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 23, Raiders 16

The Broncos just don’t blow out bad teams and this game will be the same. It will be close throughout and frustrating but in the end, Denver gets the win and claims the top spot in the AFC. The Broncos defense is in Geno Smith’s face all day and this dominant group finally scores a touchdown of their own.

Overall record: 8-4

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 31, Raiders 17

The Broncos did nothing to help television ratings in their ugly 10-7 win over Las Vegas a month ago on Thursday Night Football. “Offensively, our plan the last time was awful,’’ said Denver coach Sean Payton, who called the plays. Payton this time should be able to liven things up with Bo Nix, who has thrown for 616 yards in the past two games after his meager 150-yard outing previously against the Raiders.

Overall record: 9-3

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 4, Raiders 3

There is no such thing as a trap game for the Broncos in this year of living dangerously. OK, nobody on the planet except me calls this dominant defense the Stranger Things. So let me give you an example of why I do: Edge rusher Nik Bonitto keeps the winning streak alive by recording his second safety of the game during the fourth quarter. (Just kidding … well, kinda.)

Overall record: 8-4

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 7, Raiders 3

Denver mastered the art of winning ugly. Expect more of the same in their second matchup against a bad Raiders team with a solid defense. One touchdown will be enough to beat Las Vegas, but it won’t quiet outside narratives that this Broncos team isn’t as good as their record might suggest.

Overall record: 8-4