Chiefs and Chargers Clash in AFC West Division Rivalry Match
Trevor Phipps
The Denver Broncos have the week off as this is their bye-week. The Broncs look pretty hot lately, especially in sweeping the Raiders for the first time in 10 years. As a result, the Broncos were sitting in the 7th seed and final playoff spot in the AFC, at the time of this writing. But that could change, as the results of the Dec. 2 Monday Night game (Denver against Cleveland) weren’t available, as of press time.
However, the season’s momentum appears to favor the Broncos, so we are cautiously optimistic.
Broncos’ fans were nervous during the second Raiders match of the season as they trailed 13-9 at halftime. But then the team was able to get momentum offensively to take the game away 29-19.
Broncos appear to be headed with a duel with Miami, who is looking hot and ready these days, for the final AFC post-season spot. Luckily, the Broncos have a relatively easy schedule for the remainder of the year, as the Chargers and the Chiefs are teams they face in the final weeks with winning records.
Since this is a bye-week for the Broncs, I am focusing this column on some of the other big NFL games for Week 14.
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs Sunday 6:20 p.m.
This Sunday Night matchup could mean a lot for the Broncos in terms of where they will end up in the AFC West. The Broncos and Chargers have been neck and neck in the division and a Chargers loss would greatly help Denver. Go Chiefs!
However, Broncos fans probably shouldn’t count their chickens before they hatch. I know that Kansas City still looks stellar lately, but the Chargers have also figured out how to win.
After the Chargers shocking loss to Arizona in Week 6, they won four in a row before Coach Jim Harbaugh was challenged by his brother John and the Ravens in Week 12. Harbaugh has really gotten his offense going as during those four wins they didn’t score less than 26 points.
The Chiefs on the other hand, have started to lose their dominance. After they were finally beat by Buffalo in Week 11, they seemed to have slowed down a bit. Maybe, teams are finally starting to figure them out.
All in all, this should be a good match that will get decided in the final seconds of the game. Even though Vegas seems to disagree with me I really think the Chargers have a valid chance at this one.
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 6.5
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 34, Kansas City Chiefs 31
Las Vegas Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday 11 a.m.
During the first half of the second Broncos vs. Raiders matchup, I almost changed my mind about the Raiders. In fact, I will admit that Las Vegas played the Broncos really well on both sides of the ball.
But that being said, it is still obvious that the team is done in 2024. I’m sure owner Mark Davis has already started thinking about what moves he is going to make during the offseason. Besides there have been rumors that the team is eyeing Shedeur and Deion Sanders from Colorado University as a possible coach and QB combo.
Tampa, though, also has not impressed me this year especially after witnessing the Broncos massacre of them earlier in the seaso. Regardless, they still have a chance at winning their division, based on the stats recorded at the time of this writing.
With the Raiders basically out of any playoff contention, I just feel the Buccaneers will want the win more.
Vegas Line: Buccaneers by 3.
Trevor’s Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Las Vegas Raiders 16
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions Thursday 6:15 p.m.
This Thursday night football match is guaranteed to be one worth watching as it is an important division rivalry match. Both of these teams are battling for the top spot in the highly competitive NFC North which is still pretty much up for grabs.
The Lions have looked great all season and it seemed like they easily defeated Green Bay the last time they played them. The Packers have also looked stellar this season, but since they were already beat by the Lions at home, I just don’t think they have a chance this week.
Vegas Line: Lions by 3
Trevor’s Pick: Detroit Lions 31, Green Bay Packers 13
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings Sunday 11 a.m.
For those that don’t feel like watching the failing Raiders Sunday morning, this is probably your best alternative. Both of these teams look to be playoff-worthy and they are fighting to win their divisions.
The Falcons have been hit or miss this season, but they need to keep winning to stay in first place in the NFC South. The Vikings have been closely battling the Lions for the top spot in the NFC North and they will really want a win here.
Vegas Line: Falcons by 1.
Trevor’s Pick: Minnesota Vikings 34, Atlanta Falcons 28
Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers Sunday 2:25 p.m.
This match might not mean a whole lot to Broncos fans or anyone else for that matter. But I believe it will be the best game to watch Sunday afternoon.
The Bears have really turned things around since being the worst team in the league last year. The 49ers should easily win this one, but they have been riddled with injuries this season.
Vegas Line: 49ers by 5.5.
Trevor’s Pick: San Francisco 49ers 28, Chicago Bears 27
Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys Monday 6:15 p.m.
This Monday matchup is another one that really doesn’t mean much for playoffs this season, but heck I think Monday Night Football is always worth watching. Both of these teams have been riding the struggle bus all season so it could be interesting to see how this one pans out.
Vegas Line: Cowboys by 1.
Trevor’s Pick: Dallas Cowboys 28, Cincinnati Bengals 21
