AFC West Breakdown: Week Two

Alex Smith (11) hands off to running back Jamaal Charles (25) in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-16. (John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports)

Hey, there’s a resurgence in the AFC West. Week two saw the division make a clean sweep of their opponents, including a 3-0 record against the NFC East. Let’s break it down:

Denver Broncos (2-0)

Looking back: For the second week in a row, the Broncos scored over 40 points. The team hasn’t had points in the first quarter of both games either. The Broncos took a chunk out of the Big Apple and the Giants with their 18-point victory. Knowshon Moreno carried the load with 93 yards and two rushing touchdowns, and Peyton Manning got the best of his little brother again. The Broncos have won seven straight on the road, dating back to last season.

Looking forward: The Broncos have eight days to recover and prep for the Raiders at home on Monday Night. The extra time will do this team some good particularly the defense, who has played two very physical games already. At this point, the only team that can stop the Broncos are themselves.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

Looking back: The Chiefs have already tied their win total from last season. Boy, what a difference a quarterback and a healthy Jamaal Charles can do. The Chiefs were decked out in all red and dodged the bull that was the Cowboys. They got the one-point win with Alex Smith’s steady play, a rock solid fourth quarter defense, and a real leader in Andy Reid. The point of emphasis for this team was no turnovers. For the second straight week, mission accomplished.

Looking forward: It’s onward to Philadelphia where the only cheers we hear all game might be for Andy Reid in his return.

Oakland Raiders (1-1)

Looking back: Oakland got their first win of the year and it was against the Jaguars. The game was as ugly as Oakland’s field can be during a rainstorm. With just one touchdown all game (by Darren McFadden) and Charles Woodson’s saving tackle, the Raiders got by 19-9 in their home opener. Terrelle Pryor wasn’t as spectacular as the week before, but he didn’t turn the ball over this game.

Looking forward: It will be their toughest matchup to date, and on national television nonetheless. The Raiders play the hottest team in the league, and even though Dennis Allen knows the Broncos well, he won’t be able to pull the plug on their offensive production.

San Diego Chargers (1-1)

Looking back: The Chargers got their first win of the season, and in a very tough place to play no less. They beat the Eagles 33-30 with a Nick Novak 46-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining. Eddie Royal had his biggest game since becoming a Charger with three touchdown receptions. Holding onto the ball for over 40 minutes and getting 539 yards of offensive production had Chip Kelly drooling on the sideline.

Looking forward: It’s off to Tennessee, where the Titans are also 1-1. The Titans are no pushover team though. They went into overtime against the Texans in week two, but lost by a touchdown.

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