Texans Challenge the Chiefs in Week 16
Trevor Phipps
Lately, everyone has been talking about the Denver Broncos and how they have a golden path to the playoffs for the first time since the Peyton Manning era.
This resounding echo of optimism is especially evident after the Chargers’ heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs in Week 14, a loss that actually put them in a neck-to-neck position with the Broncos in the wild AFC West division. (Results weren’t available in time, prior to print time from the Broncos/Colts’ game, but in any case, it’s a tug of war against the Chargers. They don’t like us, and we hate them, so let’s just set the record straight.)
But regardless of the less than favorable situation, the Broncos are focused on the prize and will be ready to take on LA shortly after their match against the Colts. It also helps propel Denver football to the national spotlight. Hopefully, the Broncos coaches are studying hard trying to come up with a way sneak past the Chargers in the AFC ranks.
However, I think the Broncos will find that beating the Chargers is much easier said than done. I really think the key to the Broncos’ success this week is to get their offense dialed in.
The Chargers currently have the best defense in the league. They will be hungry for Bo Nix. I feel the only way to overcome the Chargers defense will have to be with some trickery
But in the end, I am just not seeing Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense fare too well against the best defense in the NFL. Although they have made some major improvements offensively, we keep seeing mistakes and issues on the offense about every week.
I know Broncos fans really want to be optimistic because a win would drive them up in the AFC rankings and probably secure a playoff spot. But I just don’t see it happening this week.
Vegas Line: Chargers by 4.5
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 24, Denver Broncos 10
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Saturday 11 a.m.
Football fans are in for a treat this Saturday morning as the Texans vs. Chiefs is one of the most important matchups of the week. Both teams will be hungry for a win to secure their playoff positions.
Well, what can I say? Unfortunately for Broncos fans like me, the Chiefs seem to make a fool out of me every week. I guess I have underestimated them all season, but in my defense they do keep squeaking by wins.
The Texans a few weeks ago looked red hot like they were going to be a threatening force in the AFC when it comes playoff time. But, then they started losing some games they should have won.
However, I’m going to say it again and say that the Chiefs’ luck is going to run out this week. It has to sometime right?
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 4
Trevor’s Pick: Houston Texans 27, Kansas City Chiefs 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders Sunday 2:25 p.m.
As insignificant as the game is I probably shouldn’t even be writing about it, but I know there are still a few Raiders fans out there. And I happen to feel bad for them as they are ranked last in the AFC.
Both teams were officially eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago, so they might just be searching for good draft picks this year. The Raiders have seemed to play well during most matches. The Jaguars just haven’t looked good all year.
Vegas Line: Jaguars by 1
Trevor’s Pick: Las Vegas Raiders 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 24
Other Games to Watch
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens Saturday 2:30 p.m.
This classic division rivalry will be the perfect match to watch on a cold Saturday afternoon. Both teams currently have playoff spots, but their AFC North division is pretty much still up for grabs.
The Ravens look solid all the way around and I think they are better than their record suggests. The Steelers to me have been kind of like the Chiefs all season and getting really lucky.
Vegas Line: Ravens by 5.5
Trevor’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens 34, Pittsburgh Steelers 28
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders Sunday 11 a.m.
This is another division rivalry match to watch as both teams are looking good for the playoffs. The Commanders have come out of nowhere this year and they are in line for a Wild Card spot.
The Eagles though seem unstoppable this year. Currently the Eagles are in the number two spot in the NFC, just one game behind the lions for the playoff bye. Sorry Commander fans, but I don’t see an upset in this one.
Vegas Line: Eagles by 3.5
Trevor Pick: Philadelphia Eagles 38, Washington Commanders 17
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks Sunday 2:05 p.m.
Both of these teams are also looking like they are headed to the playoffs. The Seahawks are ahead in their NFC West division, and the Vikings are only one game behind Detroit for the top spot in the NFC North.
Minnesota has impressed everyone this year, and I think they are a team to watch in the postseason. The Seahawks though have seemed like they have been hit or miss this season
Vegas Line: Seahawks by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Minnesota Vikings 31, Seattle Seahawks 28
