Denver Broncos 2016: AFC West Preview – Week Three
By Craig Hurst
The Denver Broncos try to maintain their early divisional lead in week three when they hit the road for the first time this season. For my random thoughts on this game, as well as the other week three games featuring AFC West teams please continue reading.
Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals: The Broncos were fortunate to start the season with two home games – no doubt it contributed somewhat to their 2-0 start. The AFC West leading Broncos must now hit the road to face the 1-1 Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are coming off a 24-16 loss at the hands of their divisional rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Broncos are on the road for the first time, the Bengals are at home for the first time this season. Being the home-opener for Cincinnati and the fact that the defending Super Bowl champions are visiting most likely will put the crowd in a frenzy, something that may present challenges for the Broncos.
As was the case in the first two games, Bronco fans will continue to watch Trevor Siemian to see how he continues to handle the role as the Broncos starting quarterback. Siemian has been solid the first two games, however, he has made some mistakes leading to turnovers. This is to be expected for a young quarterback, but hopefully as his comfort level increases, the mistakes will decrease. As I watch Siemian, I am impressed because he appears patient and totally understands that he can’t win or lose the game on one play. The Bengals are ranked 15th in overall defense allowing 357 yards per game. When it comes to rushing defense and passing defense, the Bengals are rated 11th in in the league in both categories. Will this be a bust-out week for the Broncos offense? I don’t think so.
As the Broncos offense continues to “find themselves”, I am expecting (or hoping) that the Broncos defense will once again rise up and keep us in the game, if not outright win it! I have heard the Bronco players say that they felt the defense would be better this season than last year due to another year of the system under their belts – after two weeks, I am convinced that this defense can be better than the 2015 version. That being said, I hope I don’t have egg on my face tomorrow after this battle between likely playoff teams!
Prediction: Denver 24, Cincinnati 21 (the defense makes another fourth quarter play to secure the win)
New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs: Talk about two teams coming off week two performances that were night and day. The Jets opened up week two on Thursday night in Buffalo handing the Buffalo Bills a 37-31 loss and putting up great offensive numbers – Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 374 yards and no interceptions; Matt Forte ran for 100 yards and three touchdowns; ex-Broncos Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall combined for 12 catches and 227 yards; Decker had one touchdown. Based on those numbers, the Chiefs defense will have their hands full if the Jets can duplicate their week two offensive explosion.
Kansas City traveled to Houston last week and were handed their first loss of the season, 19-12. Alex Smith fumbled twice while Spencer Ware put the ball on the ground one time which took away obvious scoring opportunities.
The only scoring in week two by the Chiefs came from four field goals – a fact that will have to change if the Jets offense comes out firing on all cylinders it showed in week two.
As much as I like to say it – Arrowhead Stadium will be an advantage to the Chiefs that the Buffalo Bills didn’t have!
Prediction: Kansas City 24, New York 10 (I have been to Arrowhead and think it will be too much for the Jets)