Broncos 2015: AFC West Preview – Week Seven
By Craig Hurst
Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Broncos won 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
After a thrilling 26-23 overtime win against the Cleveland Browns, the Denver Broncos get a week off, which comes at a good time considering the Broncos host the undefeated Green Bay Packers in week eight on Sunday Night Football. While the Broncos rest (and hopefully improve their offense), the rest of the AFC West is in action; two of the teams are actually facing each other. For my brief thoughts on week seven games featuring AFC West teams, please continue reading.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs: Due to injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick, Landry Jones will get the start in Kansas City. Even though the Steelers are 4-2 and are facing the 1-5 Kansas City Chiefs, they will undoubtedly be the underdog going into week seven. Even though Jones is the third string QB, he did lead the Steelers to a 25-13 victory of the Arizona Cardinals last week.
While the Steelers are in a solid second place in their division at 4-2, the Chiefs must feel like they are right on the edge of their season falling off a cliff. Losers of five straight, the Chiefs have a great opportunity to log their second win of the season due to the fact that they’re at home and the Steelers quarterback issues I have already touched on. Alex Smith has been sacked 23 times this season so you know the Steelers defense is licking their chops at that opportunity.
Looking at this game, I think Arrowhead gives the advantage to the Chiefs, but nothing would surprise me if the Chiefs fall to 1-6 considering what I have seen of them this season. Like I always add in my posts, being a diehard Bronco fan in the midwest, I would love nothing more than to see the Chiefs season to totally go into a tailspin! It is the NFL and you never, ever know what to expect from week-to-week!
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers: The rested Raiders travel to southern California to face the San Diego Chargers. Despite a 27-20 loss, the Chargers (2-4) played pretty well against the Green Bay Packers in week six. The Chargers actually had a chance to tie the game at the end but were unable to score a touchdown. It has been a rough couple of weeks for the Chargers – losing last week to Green Bay and the week before to the Pittsburgh Steelers on the last play of the game. I would look for San Diego to be fired up this week considering the Oakland Raiders are in town.
Even though the Broncos are leading the division with a 6-0 record, you know that both the Chargers and Raiders have to believe they still have a shot at the division crown considering the amount of football left, as well as the sluggish offensive start demonstrated by the Broncos through a month-and-a-half. The Raiders are 2-3 and before their bye week, lost to the Broncos 16-10 in Oakland. Since the Broncos aren’t playing this weekend, this will probably be the one game I choose to watch this weekend. I don’t really care who wins this matchup – just hoping for a close, hard-fought battle.
Enjoy the bye week Broncos Country – make sure you’re ready for the Green Bay Packers and Sunday Night Football!