AFC West Teams Could Face Tough and Brutal Weekend
Trevor Phipps
Denver Bronco fans finally have a taste of what their beloved team may look like for the upcoming season.
Despite all of the hype local sportscasters gave the team during the pre-season and practice, we all know the real deal is a little different. 2023 was a prime example with the season rearing its ugly head for the Broncs with the team failing miserably at the beginning of the year and digging themselves into a big hole.
Bronco predictions for 2024 are all over the map with some seeing the Broncos as possibly a wildcard contender, while others view them as a team that could be lucky to win five games.
Regardless, the Broncos have officially captured the attention of most of Colorado and football fans across the country. The Bo Nix hysteria is alive and well. Are they really going to turn out to be a tough team and prove that they are underrated? Or will they follow the Vegas line and win only five or six games?
Only time will tell, but I am personally still optimistic about how the team’s ’24-’25 season will turn out in the end. I don’t think the Broncos will lose their first seven games and I think that will become clear this week when they come up with a big victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
I could only be picking the Broncs because I still think Russell Wilson has already played his best games of his career. But I have not seen anything from Ol’ Rusty that has made me think he will be the savior the Steelers are looking for. I think that he won’t even remain their starter for the whole year.
But even though I am picking the Broncos to win this week, I don’t think the victory will come without a battle. The Steelers had a pretty good season last year they just didn’t have a strong QB. Now that they have two decent veteran quarterbacks, the Broncos defense will have to stay tough.
But hopefully, the Broncos’ D will continue to be a force to reckon with and create turnovers and make big plays. The team’s offense also needs to hold onto the ball, and get it in the end zone. I hope to not see red zone freeze-outs like we have experienced the past two seasons.
In the end, I think this young and energetic team is going to surprise some opponents this year. This match will be close, but I think Bo Nix will rally and come back at the end.
Vegas Line: Steelers by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Denver Broncos 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 28
Editor Rick: Denver Broncos 28, Pittsburgh Steelers 21 (Only because the Broncos have home-field advantage. Will be a close game, as these teams don’t like each other too much.)
Other Notable Picks
Columnist Woody Paige
Denver Broncos 24, Pittsburgh Steeler 11 (Based on an earlier column, when Woody gave his outlook on all Bronco games. Page described the Broncos prospects as not “Orange Crush, but not Orange Smushed.”
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
I know some of the local Chiefs’ fans would rather tune into this game then watch the Broncos (the games take place at the same time on Sunday). And I think this will also be a good, close match.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals always have a top notch team and they like everyone else will be bringing their top game in an attempt to beat the two-time World Champion Chiefs. I think that the Bengals will bring a new energy and game plan that will give the Chiefs’ defense a hard time
The Chiefs will still be a great team this year, but I think their opponents across the league are finally starting to figure them out. And like I have said before, the Chiefs always seem to need a few weeks to really find their rhythm.
I think the Bengals come out with a big surprising upset this week.
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 3.5
Trevor’s Pick: Cincinnati Bengals 27, Kansas City Chiefs 24
Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens
This game seems like a pretty easy one to pick for the bettors out there. Not even I can go against Vegas on this one as the Raiders just don’t seem like they are going to do much this year to me.
The Ravens on the other hand, always have a stellar team with QB Lamar Jackson under center. Plus, with the home field advantage factor, I just don’t think Las Vegas stands a chance in this one.
I think the Ravens have a good chance at taking the AFC this season and the Raiders I don’t believe will prove me wrong this week. But with my track record last year, TMJ readers know to never bet using my picks.
Vegas Line: Ravens by 7.5
Trevor’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens 31, Las Vegas Raiders 14
Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
This game should be another easy match to cash in on as picking the winner is quite simple. It is basically a fact that the Chargers will be much better this year with Coach Jim Harbaugh holding the reins.
And the Panthers are still not expected to accomplish much this season. Besides they are the only team Vegas has picked the Broncos to beat in the first eight weeks.
The only bad news for Broncos fans is that this could give the Chargers good momentum and an early lead in the AFC West.
Vegas Line: Chargers by 3.5
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 28, Carolina Panthers 10
