Coming off a 7-2 start to their season, the Denver Broncos are preparing for a primetime AFC West showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football. But Empower Field at Mile High will be without one of the NFL’s most iconic pregame traditions. Denver is being forced to abandon it due to circumstances beyond their control.

According to Broncos beat reporter Zac Stevens, via X: ”I checked around the NFL, and as has been the case with every single team, the Broncos are unable to have military flyovers at games due to the government shutdown. Even still, teams are not able to have flyovers for night games (past “civil twilight”), so no flyover for Thursday Night Football. I know the team wants this important part of game days back as soon as possible!”

Because of the government shutdown, the Department of Defense can’t support military flyovers at NFL games right now. Even if they could, safety rules don’t allow flyovers after dark. Since Thursday Night Football starts at night, the Broncos won’t have their usual pregame flyover this week.

It’s an absence especially notable for a franchise that has long honored military service through these displays. The Colorado Army National Guard’s 2-135th Aviation Regiment, based at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, delivered a memorable flyover during a Sunday home game earlier this season.

More than 300 soldiers serve in this unit, which has a proud history of global deployments for national defense, as well as rescue and emergency support across Colorado. Each year, they conduct over 30 Search and Rescue and Mountain Hoist missions, saving hundreds of lives throughout the Rockies.

Beyond rescue operations, the 2-135th Aviation Regiment also supports state emergency efforts during wildfires, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, and avalanches, whenever Coloradans need them most. Their presence in game-day ceremonies reflects not only their operational excellence but also their deep connection to the community.

Broncos vs Raiders: AFC West Foes Meet on TNF

There won’t be a flyover before the game, but all attention will shift to the field as the 7-2 Broncos take on the 2-6 Raiders in primetime at Empower Field. Denver has lost more games than it’s won in this rivalry (55-72-2), but things have changed.

The Broncos won both matchups last season, thanks to quarterback Bo Nix, whose calm leadership and big plays have transformed their offense in 2025.

Denver’s defense will need to focus on stopping Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who played really well last week after coming back from injury. With star cornerback Pat Surtain II out, the Broncos’ pass defense could struggle. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph might use more linebackers to help cover Bowers, but that could leave other areas open if the Raiders start connecting through the air.

The Raiders have used their basic defensive setup 330 times this season but have only created 80 quarterback pressures. On offense, they’re struggling, scoring just 16.5 points per game, which ranks 29th in the NFL. Meanwhile, Denver’s offense is doing much better, scoring 25 points per game and ranking 14th.

They’ve found a good mix of big plays and smart ball control.

For the Raiders, this game is about pride and progress, not taking another divisional loss that keeps them mired in rebuilding oblivion. The Broncos may have to give up one tradition on Thursday night, but they’ll look to hold onto another: success at home.

If Denver contains Bowers and Nix stays sharp, the Broncos should roll past the Raiders.