In-form Broncos hold on to pip Raiders

The Denver Broncos ground out a narrow 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders to maintain the best record in the NFL.

In a tight game, just three points scored in the whole second half but they were vital as Wil Lutz scored a 32-yard field goal to send the Broncos to an 8-2 record.

They had more penalties than first downs in a stop-start game at Mile High Stadium but are top of the AFC West after a seventh straight win.

Coach Sean Payton said his team can refine their style as they look to keep on winning games.

"We've got to clean up some of the penalties. We've got to clean up the execution and that is an ongoing thing that probably never ends," he said.

"You search for that Shangri-La. Right now, you know, we're sitting at eight wins. I think we're the only team sitting there."

The Broncos defence sacked Raiders quarterback Geno Smith six times and did not allow a first down in seven straight Raiders drives.

Las Vegas' last drive ended in a missed field goal which would have tied the game, as they fall to a 2-7 record.

Ashton Jeanty's four-yard touchdown put the visiting Raiders ahead, with Troy Franklin scoring an 11-yard touchdown to tie the game before Lutz won it.