AFC West Preview – Week Fourteen
By Craig Hurst
October 15, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner disagrees with a call made during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos won 35-24. Norv’s days in San Diego may be coming to an end? (Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)
Since the Denver Broncos have already clinched the AFC West crown for the 2012 season, today’s AFC West games have little impact on the Broncos and the remaining season. As Bronco fans though, we can find the most positive impact for the Broncos and hope that happens. Please continue reading for my thoughts on the football games featuring AFC West teams, as well as other games that impact the Broncos come playoff time!
Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns:
The 2-10 Kansas City Chiefs travel to Cleveland trying to win their second consecutive game, while the 4-8 Browns will try to win their third consecutive game. Both teams find themselves at the bottom of their divisions and both teams travel to Colorado to play the Broncos before seasons end. Not to look ahead, but those upcoming games for the Broncos will be “fine-tuning” games for the Broncos – a chance to work out some of their kinks before the playoff start; for the Browns and Chiefs, however, they will have an opportunity to be a spoiler and send the Broncos into the playoffs on a down note. Regarding today’s game, I will go with Cleveland at home.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers:
Who knows how the Chargers will play today given the rumors coming out of southern California this week with a major shake-up coming in a month when the season comes to an end. The Chargers are 0-14 in Pittsburgh and I don’t expect that streak to end today, especially since Pittsburgh finds themselves in the middle of playoff battle. Ben Roethlisberger’s status is unknown but even if he doesn’t play, I still pick Pittsburgh to win this one. I am torn with that choice because if I look ahead to the playoffs, it may be a benefit to the Broncos if the Steelers lose this one. That being said, it is enjoyable to see the Chargers season continue to spiral out of control. So, whatever the outcome of this game, it will be easy to find the positive spin!
As these games are going on, I will definitely keep a close eye on Baltimore Ravens/Washington Redskin’s game, hoping Robert Griffin III and former Bronco coach, Mike Shanahan, help the Broncos by handing the Ravens their fourth loss of the season. Monday night, I will anxiously watch to see if former Bronco coach/player, Gary Kubiak, and the Houston Texans can do what the Broncos have a very difficult time doing lately, and that is beating the Patriots in Foxborough. Wins by the Redskins and Texans will go a long way to helping the Broncos playoff seeding.
Enjoy Week Fourteen Bronco fans!
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