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AFC West Preview – Week Two

By Craig Hurst

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Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) prepares to snap the football in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Thanks to the Thursday night showdown in Kansas City between the Broncos and Chiefs, Bronco fans get an early start to week two of the NFL season.  For my thoughts and opinions on game two for the Denver Broncos, as well as the other games featuring teams from the AFC West, please continue reading.

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs:  

When the schedule was released earlier this year, I didn’t like where and when this game was scheduled for the Broncos.  Following a home opener against the Baltimore Ravens the Broncos find themselves travelling to Arrowhead Stadium on a short week to help the Chiefs kickoff their home schedule – on Thursday night and national television, as well.  Oh well, it is what it is so the Broncos must deal with it.  It certainly appears to me that the majority of football fans and NFL analysts think Kansas City will finally beat the Broncos and Peyton Manning (Chiefs are 0-6 against Broncos since Manning has joined the team).  

After watching the Broncos last week against Baltimore, I can see where that thought process may be pretty accurate.  I don’t know if changing the offensive plan is warranted after only one game (more, if you count the preseason) but Bronco fans certainly may have to get used to a different type of game.  Rather than the Broncos putting up 30+ points each week, two or three touchdowns may become the norm and enough, considering the defensive unit does appear to be quite dominant early on in this young season.  Speaking of the defense, this part of the game is going to be fun to watch, not only in week two, but as the season progresses.  

Last week the Broncos defense held the Baltimore Ravens to two field field goals the entire game (Ravens lone touchdown came on a pick-six by their defense) and eventually sealed the week on one victory with another Joe Flacco interception.  Until the Broncos offense can determine their identity and progress, the defense may have to carry this team.  Will the Broncos will tonight?  It seems like a difficult task, but then again, each week in the NFL is difficult.  I am not asking for a totally dominant win – I just want the Broncos to score one more point than the Chiefs and escape Arrowhead with a “win”.  Afterall, when you look at the standings of the NFL there is not a “Note” column with explanations…. only a W or an L!  

San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals:

Both San Diego and Cincinnati are coming off somewhat impressive wins in week one; both will be looking to extend that streak this week when San Diego travels to Cincinnati for the Chargers first road game of the season.  San Diego beat the Detroit Lions last week 33-28, while the Bengals took care of the Oakland Raiders 33-13.  I would expect both teams to put up a lot of points this week and I am thinking Cincinnati will come away with the win.  I am probably thinking this way because I generally don’t want teams from the AFC West to win only because long-term, it may benefit the Broncos!  That being said, if and when the Broncos start thinking about playoffs, Cincinnati may be a factor as well.

Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders: Not only do the Ravens face another AFC West team, they do it on the road also.  After losing week one to the Broncos 19-13, the Ravens find themselves in Oakland to face the 0-1 Raiders.  On paper, this should be an easier contest for the Ravens, considering that the Raiders gave up 33 points to the Bengals in week one and David Carr is questionable after hurting his hand last in last weeks home opener.  I fully expect the Ravens to hand the Raiders their second consecutive loss of the season.  If this truly happens, I am sure that the 0-2 start is not how new Raiders coach Jack Del Rio expected to start the season.

Go Broncos – beat the Chiefs!

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