AFC West Preview – Week Seven
By Craig Hurst
Aug 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Denver Broncos long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) snaps the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the inaugural football game at Levi
The Denver Broncos are breaking out the all blue uniforms for their week seven matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. While I like the all blue uni’s, I am anxiously awaiting the day the Broncos will unveil the all orange uniforms; helmets included (wishful thinking on my part)! Color of uniforms aside, this is a big game – for both teams! For my thoughts on this game, as well as the other games featuring AFC West teams, please continue reading.
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos: The Broncos enter the game at 4-1 and one game behind the San Diego Chargers, while the 4-2 49ers find themselves one game behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West. While there is a lot of football remaining this season, this is a crucial game for both teams considering the divisional standings. Some football fans and analysts would say this could very likely be a preview of Super Bowl XLIX. Like I generally do, I never look that far ahead and just hope the Broncos can get a victory this week. Seven weeks into the season, both teams appear to be a notch below where they were at last year at this time. That being said, I think it will still be a great football game. The 49ers have established a reputation as a defensive juggernaut (currently ranked 2nd in the league allowing 287.2 yards per game; allowing 20.5 points per game which is sixth in league). I am anxious to see how the Broncos offense attempts to attack the 49ers defense. The biggest question for most football fans is if this is the night Peyton Manning will set a new record for career touchdown passes. Currently, Manning has 506 touchdown passes, two behind Brett Favre. The record would be nice, but I would be perfectly content with the Broncos scoring a number of touchdowns on the ground. While the Broncos offense against the 49ers defense is intriguing, the Broncos defense against the 49ers offense will be fun to watch as well. The Broncos defense is ranked fourth in the league giving up 318.2 yards per game; they’re ranked seventh when it comes to points per game (20.8). Shutting down Colin Kaepernick will be key if the Broncos want to improve their record to 5-1. I have learned that it is difficult to predict games in the NFL so I am not going to try, all I can say is I hope when the clock reaches all zero’s in Denver on Sunday night the Broncos are the victors. Am I nervous? Absolutely, but I always am when the Broncos take the field!
Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders: The Raiders almost pulled the upset of the week, if not the season, last week against the San Diego Chargers but fell three points short. As much I like to see the Raiders lose because it helps the Broncos, my gut tells me that this week they may very well get the upset of the week. Not sure why I feel this way, I’m just going with my gut. The Cardinals are atop the NFC West at 4-1, while the Raiders are winless through five games and at the bottom of the AFC West. While I feel an upset is in the making, it seems like any time I try to predict the outcome of a particular game, I am always humbled. So, while I am predicting an upset, I will not be surprised if the Cardinals travel to Oakland and win big!
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: As much I would love to see San Diego lose the week before they head to Denver, I just can’t bring myself to go that direction. While everything tells me that San Diego needs to lose, I don’t want to see Kansas City win. If you have read my prior Predominantly Orange posts, you know that I am a die-hard Bronco fan in Chiefs Country, surrounded by Chief fans. For that very reason, I am as happy when the Chiefs lose as I am when the Broncos win. My feelings and emotions are somewhat higher this week because not only am I around Chief fans, suddenly a lot of Kansas City Royal fans have popped up out of nowhere given the Royals recent success in the baseball playoffs. I am a firm believer that a fan supports their team win or lose, not just when they win or experience a lot of success (that thought could be an entire post in the future). All that being said, I will get down off my soapbox and continue. The Chiefs are c
Aug 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Denver Broncos long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) snaps the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the inaugural football game at Levi
oming off of a bye and find themselves at 2-3; the Chargers barely beat the Raiders in week six and are currently first place in the division at 5-1. While I hope the Charges win (I know, I struggle with that), I do hope Kansas City gives them a good test – physical and close. I say that because the Chargers have a short week before heading to Denver for a Thursday night battle that kick starts week eight.
Go Broncos – beat the 49ers!
Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook.