AFC West Preview – Week Two
By Craig Hurst
After week one of the NFL season, the Denver Broncos find themselves sitting atop the AFC West with a 1-0 record. The other three teams in the division lost in week one and find themselves one game behind the defending AFC champions. While there is a lot of football games remaining, the Broncos can extend their lead over the division, especially the Kansas City Chiefs, when the two teams meet this Sunday in Denver. For my brief thoughts on the Broncos week two game, as well as the other games featuring AFC west teams, please continue reading.
Nov 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) gets caught up with Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos: Even though coming off a week one win 31-24 over the Indianapolis Colts, the Broncos can’t be happy with the offensive performance in the second half of their home opener. I am confident that one of their goals this week will be to play well all four quarters. Performing at the high level Bronco fans are accustomed to will be mandatory on Sunday because I am expecting Kansas City to present a different team this week than what they showed in their week one opener against the Tennessee Titans; the Titans beat the Chiefs 26-10. On one hand I am confident that Peyton Manning and the Broncos can put up a lot of points considering Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker had two touchdowns and 266 yards, but on the other hand I feel like Kansas City may feel like they have to prove they’re a better football team than what appeared last week. What better way to do it than against the mighty Denver Broncos. I am looking forward to seeing how the Broncos defense performs in week two considering they have one meaningful game under their belt. Even though they bent a bit last week, the unit held together and stopped the Colts when they had to, preserving the week one win. Hopefully the defense can build on that. Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles will have to be contained. Both of these players have big-play potential but didn’t show it in week one. Charles rushed for only 19 yards and Smith had three interceptions (in 2013 Smith had seven interceptions the whole year). A win this week would give the Broncos a two game lead over Kansas City at this point in the young season. While a lot of football is left, this game could determine or impact a tie-breaker scenario come late December. Anytime the Broncos strap on their helmets, it is a must win game as far as I am concerned. Another reason THIS particular game is a must win for me is because I live in Chiefs Country! For me, it’s not fun if the Broncos lose to the Chiefs!
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers: The AFC West versus the NFC West continues in Southern California when the Super Bowl champions travel south to defend their crown. Seattle is coming of a longer break than San Diego since the Seahawks opened up the season and week one on Thursday night, while the Chargers ended week one on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle easily handled the Green Bay Packers 36-16 and San Diego let a win slip out of their hands losing 18-17 to Arizona. Who do I want to win this game? That is a tough question to answer for this Bronco fan! For starters, I am ready to see the Seahawks lose! I am still not over the Super Bowl XLVIII loss, nor will I ever be so I just want to see the Seahawks lose because of the beat down they put on the Broncos in the Super Bowl. If that happens, that means San Diego will get a win, which ultimately could impact some type of tie-breaker at the end of the season. I’m going to go with my heart on this one and hope that San Diego can get a victory. Another thing to consider is that the Broncos travel to Seattle in week three so I hope San Diego can reveal some weaknesses in Seattle. I will admit, early in the season the Seahawks look tough but there has to be some kinks in the armor somewhere.
Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders: The Raiders, who lost to the New York Jets 19-14 in week one, open up their home schedule with a visit from the Houston Texans, who beat the Washington Redskins 17-6 last week. Given those two games, I would have to say that the Texans have the advantage but this game may very well be a toss-up. If it wasn’t for a long touchdown run in the fourth quarter, the Raiders would very likely be 1-0. I will give credit to the Texans defense for containing Robert Griffin III and his potential large-play capabilities. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr had a somewhat respectable pro debut so I am thinking that the Raiders may get this victory.
Go Broncos – beat the Chiefs!