Predominantly Orange writers Baylor Bradac and Matt Geving join me in predicting each AFC West matchup, including Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals.
The Denver Broncos have won their last two games, against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, after their week 10 bye.
They sit at third place in the AFC West but still have a chance at making the playoffs.
Denver defeated the Steelers last week at home by a score of 24-17. Their three touchdowns came through the air and the ground. Quarterback Case Keenum tossed two touchdowns; one to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and the other to tight end Matt LaCosse.
The other one came through the ground game, when Phillip Lindsay got the handoff on the goal line for a 2-yard score.
Lindsay’s day consisted of 14 carries for 110 yards and the score. He continues to be the life of the Broncos offense in his magnificent rookie season.
Denver won the game despite allowing Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to throw for 462 yards and JuJu Smith-Schuster’s huge day with 189 yards on 13 receptions.
Even at 5-6, the Broncos are not out of the playoff race. They need to win as many games as possible to have a chance though. They probably have to win them all.
The Los Angeles Chargers faced the Arizona Cardinals and won in a convincing matter. They outscored Arizona 45-10 under three Phillip Rivers passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns by Melvin Gordon (2) and Austin Ekeler (1).
Receiver Keenan Allen let the Chargers in receiving yards (72) while Ekeler led in receptions (10). The Chargers continue their phenomenal season offensively.
The Oakland Raiders were outmatched by the Baltimore Ravens, losing 34-17. The star of the Ravens win was running back Gus Edwards, who ran 23 times for 118 yards. Quarterback Lamar Jackson tossed one touchdown but also threw two interceptions.
The Chiefs and Rams squared off on Monday Night Football last week and it was quite the game. Both teams continued to score on what seemed to be every possession. Both teams’ quarterbacks were outstanding.
Patrick Mahomes threw six touchdowns and three interceptions while Jared Goff tossed four touchdowns an zero interceptions. The Los Angeles Rams won at the end of the game, 54-51.
Now we are in week thirteen. The Broncos faceoff against the Cincinnati Bengals; The Kansas City Chiefs are at Oakland to face the division’s worst team, the Raiders; and the Los Angeles Chargers are in Pittsburgh to compete against the Steelers.
AFC West standings:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2)
2. Los Angeles Chargers (8-3)
3. Denver Broncos (5-6)
4. Oakland Raiders (2-9)
The 2018 regular season is quickly nearing an end but there are many things left to watch. Denver is in the hunt for the playoffs and they have to continue on their hot streak if they want to get there.
Now, let’s get to the picks!