Broncos 2015: AFC West Preview – Week Thirteen

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for the game winning touchdown during the overtime period against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The state of California is home to the AFC West teams this week as the last month of the season starts with all four AFC West teams facing a divisional foe.  For my thoughts on the Denver Broncos twelfth game of the season, as well as the other divisional game, please continue reading.

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers: Could the Broncos have a let down after handing the New England Patriots their first lost of the season one week ago? I hate to ask that question but it is my biggest concern going into this game.  The Broncos find themselves sitting in a good spot at 9-2 with a three game lead over the second place Kansas City Chiefs (noticed I said good, not great) this late in the season.  The San Diego Chargers on the other hand are at the bottom of the division with a 3-8 record.  My assumption is that the Chargers may be close to being mathematically eliminated from postseason play, if they aren’t already.  As we approach the Christmas season what better gift would it be for Charger fans if their team could throw a major wrinkle into the Broncos this late in the season.  

What has become the norm the last couple of weeks, has been the Brock Osweiler watch.  Last week Osweiler earned his second win in his career by playing a smart, efficient game.  Of course, Osweiler was aided by a dominant running game, snowy weather conditions, and an aggressive defense.  Last Sunday night the Patriots did pressure Osweiler more than the Chicago Bears so I would expect the Chargers to focus on this as well.  Credit the whole team last week, the Patriots played in the same conditions.  One of these days Osweiler will probably have a subpar game, let’s hope it isn’t today!

I always look forward to watching the Broncos when they are in San Diego – majority of time it is always sunny and the I love seeing the large number of Bronco fans in attendance – I guess when the Broncos head to southern California you could call San Diego “West Denver” for the day!

The Broncos and Chargers have met 111 times with Denver winning 61 times, while the Chargers handed the Broncos a loss 49 times.  The two times tied once (December 13, 1970).  

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders:  I usually like to see AFC West teams lose because in the big picture of an overall season, it may help the Broncos when one of the teams in the division loses.  Obviously, in this matchup one team is going to move a step closer to the Broncos, while the other team will fall farther behind.  I am sure both teams, if asked, are hoping the Chargers can upset the Broncos.  With all that being said, both teams enter today’s game probably looking at this as a must-win.

The Chiefs are playing very well and after starting 1-5, have won five straight and are 6-5 while the Raiders are 5-6.  Alex Smith has been playing very well and running back Spencer Ware has been a very suitable replacement for Jamaal Charles and Charcandrick West.  Today West and Ware will share the duties at running back.  For the Raiders, Derek Carr continues to have a good season – 24 touchdown passes to only six interceptions, which has boosted his quarterback rating to 101.5 (Alex Smith has a rating of 94.6).

As I have always stated, I am not a huge fan of the Chiefs for a variety of reasons, the biggest one being where I have, and currently reside – in the heart of Chiefs Country!  I am going with my heart on this one and pulling for the black-and-silver.   I will only say this twice in a season:  “Go Raiders, beat the Chiefs”

Go Broncos – beat San Diego!