Raiders and Chiefs Clash On Black Friday
Trevor Phipps
Broncos’ fans are still in shock, following the route of Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. It marked their finest showing of the year and may have propelled a pre-playoff sprint for the first time in nearly 10 years.
Most sports analysts (including myself) got this one wrong, but that seems par for the course for me this year. In fact, it would probably be wise to bet opposite of my picks due to how often I have gotten it wrong this season.
Previously, the team suffered two big losses to the Ravens and Chiefs. However, the latter one against KC was really just in the final score column, as many believe they outplayed the Chiefs. And now, fans seem to be taking a more optimistic tone.
The good news is the Broncos schedule is not very tough for the rest of the regular season. Besides their upcoming matches against the Chargers and the Chiefs, there is a really good chance the team could win every other game and finish the season 10-7.
The Broncos seemed to have finally figured out how to dominate both sides of the ball. They proved they could stop a decent Falcons’ offense, and their offense finally showed that they can rack up some points. (Results from the Raiders game weren’t available, prior to our press time, but we are cautiously optimistic.)
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has shown quite a bit of improvements so far this year. Currently, Nix is rated as the best rookie that has started in 2024.
The Cleveland Browns, on the other hand, just haven’t been able to figure it out. The team’s quarterback situation has caused them to be unable to win.
Overall, this should be an easy Monday Night Football win for the Broncos. Their defense should be able to stop the Browns struggling offense, and their offense should be able to rack up quite a few points. I think most would agree that Vegas is wrong about this one.
Vegas Line: Browns by 3.5
Trevor’s Pick: Denver Broncos 34, Cleveland Browns 13
Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs Friday 1 p.m.
To add to their lineup of holiday games, the NFL will be having another match on Black Friday this year. And for 2024, a classic AFC West rivalry matchup will take place.
Normally, these two teams put on quite a show. However, this year, with the Chiefs killing it and the Raiders struggling, I don’t expect it to be close.
Even though Chiefs are no longer undefeated, that doesn’t mean they are going to start losing. They really want that trip to the big game for the third year in a row, and they still have a great chance of making it and winning.
The Raiders have just not been able to gain any momentum this season, so I wouldn’t expect them to start now. As much as I would like to see Las Vegas snag an upset, I just don’t think it is likely.
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 7.5
Trevor’s Pick: Kansas City Chiefs 31, Las Vegas Raiders 20
Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta Falcons Sunday 11 a.m.
As I figured the case would be, the Los Angeles Chargers win my award for the most improved team this season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has really started to figure things out and turn that team around.
I honestly think that the Chargers could become a reckoning force in the postseason this year. Even though the Chiefs beat them once, I think the Chargers could have a chance to knock them out of the playoffs down the road.
After seeing how much the Chargers have improved, I would not expect to see them slow down now. In fact, I expect them to keep winning until they play another good team like the Chiefs.
Before the Falcons played the Broncos, I thought they looked promising. But after the Broncos smoked them, my mind has changed.
In the end, I just don’t think the Falcons will be able to keep up with the Chargers offense. Unfortunately, a Chargers win this week is not good news for the Broncos, but I don’t see them losing.
Vegas Line: Falcons by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 41, Atlanta Falcons 16
Thanksgiving Day Games
On Turkey Day this year, the best match to watch will probably be the first one at 10:30 a.m. The Chicago Bears at the Detroit Lions is always a good rivalry match. This year both teams look pretty decent but I expect the Lions to run away with it.
Another division rivalry match then takes place at 2:30 p.m. The New York Giants at the Dallas Cowboys should be a decent match to watch even though neither team is really a playoff contender. I am taking the Cowboys to shine in this one.
Then when everyone is stuffed with their turkey dinner, the Miami Dolphins at the Green Bay Packers will be another good game to watch at 6:20 p.m. The Packers have had some success this season and they will be motivated to keep winning.
The Dolphins struggled with injuries in the beginning of the season, but with their star QB back, it could make this one interesting. But in the end, I think the Packers will take this one.
