Chiefs Challenge the Bills; Chargers Take on the Titans
Trevor Phipps
Well, the Broncos have shocked the NFL Nation after winning four in row (at the time of this writing). But I feel that they have almost given me a heart attack several times in the process.
Saying that both of the New York games were ugly is definitely an understatement. The team basically looked horrible during both games.
But you still can’t discount their glorious comeback against the Giants that looked like something only the 1990s version of John Elway could pull off. They were down 19-0 at the end of the third quarter. Moreover, there was less than seven minutes left on the play clock and they were down 26-8. But they still came up with a “W.”
But one of the biggest issues I saw once again was the play calling, as it seemed obvious to me that Head Coach Sean Payton is playing it way too conservatively. Once he opened up QB Bo Nix and let him pass down the field, they came back and won.
During the first three quarters, Rookie QB Jaxson Dart passed down the field effectively and got his team the lead. On the other hand, Bo Nix didn’t attempt a pass over 10 yards until the fourth quarter. One coach let his team play the whole game, whereas the other didn’t.
And I’m not the only one who feels this way. Former Broncos QB Ben DiNucci posted on social media, “Is it time for Davis Webb to call plays in Denver?” But honestly I just hope something changes soon, preferably before the Broncos play the Chiefs.
Denver Broncos at Houston Texans, Sunday 11 a.m.
Well enough of giving them a hard time, the Broncos have done some things quite well. The team’s defense has stayed on point and made it tough for anyone to rack up points. And even though their offense has staggered, they have shown the ability to make some key plays when it counts.
And another plus is that I think they have the ability to keep improving. I have seen them adjust their play during games, and I think they will keep trying make things better as the season wears on.
At the beginning of the season, the Texans were expected to be stellar. But all they have done is struggle so far this season. The team has had trouble with their offensive line and now one of their wide receivers is out with an injury.
Normally, I would say this would be an easy match for the Broncos to win. But, it doesn’t seem like this Broncos team makes anything easy. Expect another close match during a game they should win.
Trevor’s Prediction: Denver Broncos 28, Houston Texans 26
Vegas Line: Broncos by 1.5.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Sunday 2:25 p.m.
The Chiefs finally have started looking like the team they have been for the last few years. Despite a few losses, the Chiefs have shown they can beat some stellar teams like the Detroit Lions in Week 6.
Currently, the Chiefs are given a seventh place power ranking by ESPN. But they have started improving and they did beat the Lions who have the number one power ranking in the league.
However, the Buffalo Bills have also proved to be a top notch team. They too seemed to have struggled a little from time to time, but I think they will keep things dialed in. The Bills are currently sitting at sixth place on ESPN’s power ranking.
Overall, this should be a good game against two evenly-matched teams that are hungry for the Super Bowl. I think this one will be close and come down to the wire.
Trevor’s Prediction: Buffalo Bills 31, Kansas City Chiefs 3
Vegas Line: Bills by 2.5.
Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans, Sunday 11 a.m.
Well, the Chargers haven’t quite proven that they are as good as I thought they would be. But, I don’t think it’s wise to count them out just yet.
The team has good talent, and they have beat everyone in their division already which is never an easy task. The team will be getting fired up since they have dropped from being the AFC West leaders.
The Titans on the other hand, haven’t produced much. Even with the number one draft pick as starting QB, the team is so bad they already fired their head coach after a 1-5 start.
Trevor’s Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 37, Tennessee Titans 14
Vegas Line: Chargers by 4.5.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday 2:05 p.m.
The Raiders haven’t produced much this year, and they seem to be one of the worst teams in the league with a near last power ranking of 29th. The team might improve, but if they don’t it will just help the Broncos.
The Jaguars have been hit or miss all season, but I think they have great talent. This week should be a good chance for them to move up on the board.
Trevor’s Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars 28, Las Vegas Raiders 20
Vegas Line: Raiders by 1.5.
