Chiefs Take On The Feisty Cleveland Browns
Trevor Phipps
Broncos’ fans were thrilled recently after watching their team’s big offensive shootout win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. Despite the team giving up over 500 yards and 32 points, the Broncos’ defense saved the day with two pick-sixes to prevail. Those interceptions made the difference and basically stole a victory from the Brownies.
If anything, the Broncos have proved that they know what it takes to win, even if they don’t have their best stuff. Their perseverance throughout the contest was noticed by media experts, along with the ability for the coaches and players to make adjustments. Head Coach Sean Payton is now in the running for “Coach of the Year,” according to Monday Night color commentator and former star quarterback Troy Aikman.
The Broncos have shown improvements on both sides of the ball just about every game. They are now boasting an impressive 8-5 record and are in the driver’s seat in their bid for the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
This next week and a half, though, will serve as a good challenge as they face the Indianapolis Colts, a team that has been upsetting teams is trying hard to snag the final playoff spot away from the Broncos. They then travel to California to take on the tough Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night football.
Overall, I think the Broncos need to focus on their defense if they want to beat the Colts. If their defense stays strong, and they can stop the Colts’ powerful running attack, they should be able to win.
The Colts have made vast improvements lately, but they don’t fare that great against teams with winning records, such as the Broncos. The Colts’ defense has improved, but the Broncos shine in the middle of the field with big breakout runs.
If the Broncos can keep up the rhythm they have experienced on offense, they should be able to pick up the “W.” Hopefully, some rest they got from their recent Bye-week will allow clean up the mistakes they have been making on offense, defense and play-calling.
Vegas Line: Colts by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Denver Broncos 34, Indianapolis Colts 21
Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns Sunday 11 a.m.
Most would say that this game would be a no-brainer, and that the Chiefs will easily win. But actually, I beg to differ.
During the Browns vs. Broncos match, the Browns seemed like they were on fire. At one point during the game, the Monday Night announcers said that they are a 3-8 team, playing like an 8-3 team. The Brownies have a decent defense that can slow down the passing game, and are equipped with an explosive offense with QB Jameis Winston and WR Jerry Jeudy, who used to star with the Broncos.
The Chiefs lately have seemed to be running out of steam. While they do keep winning, they barely scrape by easy matches at the end of the game, and have almost been winning, via bizarre mishaps by their opponents.
The Browns look like they are ready to win and if they put up 500 yards against the Chiefs, I think they will. Hopefully, an upset is in the works to ground the Chiefs a bit.
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Cleveland Browns 34, Kansas City Chiefs 28
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Chargers Sunday 2:25 p.m.
The Chargers lately look like they really mean business as they refuse to drop in the AFC Playoff ranks. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh seems to have things dialed in even though he lost a big one to his brother and the Ravens a few weeks ago.
The Buccaneers have made strides in improving lately, and they are still in the running to win their division. The team recently played both former Super Bowl teams (the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs) very well and just barely lost those matches.
All in all, I think this will be a close game as both teams really want and need to win to help their playoff chances. But the Chargers’ offense will probably prove to be too much to handle for the Bucs.
Vegas Line: Chargers by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21
Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders Monday 6:30 p.m.
Lately I have seen some good things come out of the Raiders even though their season is basically over. During their recent games against the Chiefs and Broncos, the team really seem to put up quite a fight.
At this point in the season, the Raiders will take pride in being an upset team that ruins playoff chances for their opponents around the league. They have some talent on their team and playoff-bound teams should not expect to just walk all over them.
The Falcons lately have been improving and they are battling with the Buccaneers for the NFC South title. I think the Falcons want and need this win more so they will find a way to come up with a W.
Vegas Line: Falcons by 1
Trevor’s Pick: Atlanta Falcons 28, Las Vegas Raiders 24
Other Games to Watch
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers Thursday 6:15 p.m.
Let’s face it, even though I consider the 49ers my second favorite team, they just have not produced this year. Despite all of the talent San Francisco’s offense contains, they have been riddled by injuries and just don’t look like a playoff-worthy team.
The Rams are battling the Niners for the top spot in the NFC West and they have been looking stellar lately.
Vegas Line: 49ers by 6.5
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Rams 38, San Francisco 49ers 24
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks Sunday 6:20 p.m.
This Sunday night match should be another good one. Both teams look decent this season and both units will probably make the playoffs
The Seahawks though, seem like they have been hit or miss all season. The Packers have looked stellar all year, but they may have trouble controlling rowdy craziness in Seattle
Vegas Line: Packers by 1
Trevor’s Pick: Green Bay Packer 31, Seattle Seahawks 28
