Why the Broncos and Raiders Rivalry Is One of the Greatest

In Denver they call it Raider week. It happens twice a year, at minimum, whenever these two football rivals play.

Since 1977, the Denver Broncos have had a slight edge in the rivalry, but it is a rivalry even at it's valley.

Check out some of the biggest reasons why this is probably the NFL's most overlooked and yet best rivalry in the last 30-plus years.

Bad Guys Wear Black and Silver

Any fan following that makes Darth Vader their alternate mantra most definitely has issues.

There are a number of Raiders who embrace their image, but thinking of Lester Hayes and all of the "stick-um" he would use to his advantage embraces what the Raiders are all about.

Win at all costs, regardless of the price, even if you look bad doing it. "Just win, baby" is their franchise cry.

As for Lester, his legend includes making interceptions off various parts of his body until "stick-um" was banned from use.

Good Guys Wear Orange, White, and Blue

Without a doubt, the face of the franchise in Denver for so many years was John Elway. Perhaps the cry of the Broncos faithful is "Just beat the Raiders, baby!"

1977 AFC Championship Game

In the 1977 AFC Championship Game, the Raiders were the defending Super Bowl Champions and were predicted by many to repeat.

They lost in Denver on a cold January day, 20-17.

This propelled the Broncos onto their first Super Bowl appearance.

Show Mike the Money!

Al Davis still hasn’t paid Mike Shanahan.

Traditional Champions

There are five Super Bowl Championships combined between them, eleven AFC Championships, and numerous other playoff appearances between them.

The Black Hole

The stadiums reflect two differing philosophies of life: "The Black Hole"...

Mile High Fans

...vs. being "a Mile High"

The Moment Things Changed

Ever since Tom Jackson uttered those words to John Madden during a Broncos blowout of the Raiders in 1977, things have never been the same.

The words proclaimed by Jackson and his Broncos teammates that day were:

“It’s over, fat man!”

What Is Thy Bidding My Master?

You have to mention Al Davis because, well...he’s Al Davis.

A Rivalry That Is Always A Rivalry

Since 1977, the Broncos and Raiders series record is at 37-32, in favor of the Broncos.

Five Combined Super Bowl Wins

The Raiders still can’t spell "Back 2 Back" and the Broncos have yet to win three Super Bowls.