AFC West Preview – Week Two

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) is hit while throwing by Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Falcons won 40-24. (Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE)

Once again, the Broncos find themselves on the national stage to closeout week two of the young NFL season when they travel to Atlanta to face the 1-0 Atlanta Falcons.  Until then, Bronco fans will no doubt be watching the entire docket of games today with a close eye on the AFC West.  Below is a brief synopsis of our AFC West Rivals and their games this weekend.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills: In week one Kansas City was soundly beaten by the Falcons, while the Bills went to New York and were badly beaten by the Jets.  To say this is a must win for both teams is a bit overboard at this point in the season but you definitely don’t want to start the season 0-2.  Expectations are extremely high for quarterback Matt Cassel so it will be interesting to watch how he handles the pressure.  Fred Jackson is out for the Bills so this may be an advantage for Kansas City.

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins: After opening up on Monday night, the Raiders make the long trip to Miami to face the Dolphins.  As of this morning, Raiders long snapper, Jon Condo, was listed as questionable.  After witnessing the snapping debacle last Monday night, new head coach Dennis Allen may say questionable is good enough for him.  Like all September games in Miami, the weather may be a factor for both sides in this contest – the forecast calls for a high temperature in the mid to upper eighties and high humidity.  Not exactly what you want to hear if you’re the Raiders!

Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers: San Diego opens their home schedule with a visit from the Tennessee Titans.  Tennessee may come to California still licking their wounds from the 34-13 defeat they experienced at the hands of the New England Patriots.  No doubt, the Chargers will be confident as they are still riding high after their week one win over the Raiders – even if it wasn’t that pretty.  I would expect Philip Rivers to be his usual self and have a decent performance, considering that Tom Brady passed for 236 yards and two touchdowns.  Antonio Gates and Ryan Mathews are questionable so if they don’t play, it will definitely be an advantage to the Titans.

Looking ahead, the AFC West teams may want to get a win today because next week doesn’t get any easier by any means.  New Orleans visit Arrowhead, the Steelers travel to the Black Hole in Oakland, and the Falcons travel to San Diego to face the Chargers – man, don’t you love the NFL?!

Enjoy week two!

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