Cutler went 14-of-22 for 279 yards while calmly directing the Broncos through an outstanding offensive performance that began with a five-minute march at the Coliseum. Darrell Jackson caught a 48-yard TD pass and Michael Pittman rushed for a 3-yard score in their debuts for the Broncos, who beat up a longtime rival for three quarters in their first game following their first losing season since 1999.

Royal, a second-round draft pick from Virginia Tech, looked thoroughly deserving of his starting job in a breakout first half for the Broncos, who didn't miss 102-catch receiver Brandon Marshall during his one-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct code.

Royal even rushed two times for 9 yards and returned two punts for 19 more. He thoroughly outshined JaMarcus Russell, rookie Darren McFadden and Oakland's inexperienced offense, which struggled to get into an early groove. Even after all of Al Davis' offseason changes, the Raiders have been outscored 60-0 in their last 2 1/2 appearances in Monday night games.

After both clubs posted sub-.500 records in 2007, Denver and Oakland were hoping for an early boost to their hopes to get back to contention in the AFC West. The clubs hadn't both endured simultaneous losing seasons since 1964, when they were in the AFL.

Raiders receiver Javon Walker was scratched with a strained hamstring, preventing the mercurial pass-catcher from taking on his former teammates. Walker missed much of last week's practices with the injury, forcing Johnnie Lee Higgins to start in his place.

Denver's offense marched 76 yards on its opening drive, finishing when Royal sneaked behind new Raiders safety Gibril Wilson for a catch in the corner of the end zone.

Oakland came right back with a 58-yard kickoff return by Higgins. McFadden, the No. 4 overall draft pick, broke an 8-yard run on the first NFL carry, and the Raiders reached the Denver 7 before Russell fumbled while getting hit on third down.

Cutler later connected on a 72-yard pass to backup tight end Tony Scheffler, who slipped behind linebacker Kirk Morrison and rambled 20 yards after the catch before falling at the Oakland 4. Denver then lost 4 yards before Matt Prater's 26-yard field goal early in the second quarter.

Denver then moved 57 yards with three more passes to Royal on a drive capped by Pittman's 3-yard TD run 4:21 before halftime.

The Raiders' struggles were encapsulated when they nearly pulled off a clever reverse end-around in the second quarter - but Higgins bobbled the pitch with empty field in front of him before picking it up and getting run out of bounds for a 15-yard loss.

Moments after Royal made a 29-yard reception in the third quarter, Jackson - a castoff by the Seahawks and 49ers in an improbable starting role in Denver - caught Cutler's pass down the sideline, shook off safety Michael Huff's tackle and ran for a score to end a 92-yard drive.