Chiefs Challenge Ravens At Home; Chargers Play Giants On The Road
Trevor Phipps
Well, at this point it’s at least fair to say that the Denver Broncos haven’t lived up to their fans’ ambitious expectations.
Week 2 was especially a heartbreaker when the Broncos gave up a bizarre penalty that cost them the game in the final seconds. Bummer, and yes, this was a lame call.
But it’s hard to blame the refs when the Broncos probably should have had a much bigger lead to clinch the contest. They appeared to lose their momentum in the final moments. A stalled drive near the end of the game, capped by another penalty, this time a delay of gain screwup, may have did them in. Even Head Coach Sean Payton took much of the blame himself and frowned upon decisions made by his staff.
Whatever the case may be, Broncos fans everywhere and myself just hope the Broncs can get their poop in a group. For a team whose coach bragged about their team becoming a Super Bowl contender before the season even started, we just really haven’t seen that potential yet.
I will admit though, that the Broncos’ offense definitely found a new surge of momentum in Week 2. (Results from Week 3 weren’t fully available to us, prior to press time for this edition). Hopefully, the offense will continue to improve, and the defense will start to look more like they did last year.
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos, Monday 6:15 p.m.
I originally thought that this week would be an easy win. But after seeing both the Bengals and Broncos play in just the first two weeks, I may have changed my mind.
The Bengals did impress me with their 2-0 start. But, their two wins did come from less-than-stellar teams like the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, the Broncos may have received a saving grace after Week 2, when it was announced that Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow sustained a grade three turf toe injury that will require surgery. Burrow is slated to be out of the game for approximately three months. This means he won’t be able to return until week 15 or 16, so will be definitely out of action for Monday’s mini-war with the Broncos.
The Bengals boosted up their QB room after Burrow’s injury, but I don’t think it will be enough to slow down the Broncos’ defense. Let’s just say, the Broncos should get lucky this week.
Trevor’s Pick: Denver Broncos 28, Cincinnati Bengals 24
Vegas Line: Broncos by 2.5.
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 2:25 p.m.
This will probably be the best match on paper to watch this week. However, it might not go quite as Chiefs’ fans hope.
The Chiefs just haven’t seemed to get the motor running yet this season. The Chiefs haven’t started a season 0-2 since before the Patrick Mahomes-era in 2014 when they finished 9-7. But it is definitely always unwise to count them out entirely.
The Ravens are looking pretty good and they would be undefeated if it wasn’t for their 41-40 heart-breaking loss against the Buffalo Bills during Week 1. But I think the team is still a true Super Bowl contender and beating them will be tough from this point forward.
Trevor’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens 31, Kansas City Chiefs 14
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 1.5.
Los Angeles Chargers at New York Giants, Sunday 11 a.m.
After the Chargers started their season with three tough division games in a row, I feel like they have proved themselves as a tough team. They seem to have things figured out this season, and I might make a bet for them to win the AFC West this year. But, it is still too early to tell.
The Giants, on the other hand, have seemed to improve with former Broncos’ QB Russell Wilson. I have liked what I have seen from their offense and their record might not show their true strength.
However, I just don’t think the Chargers will be slowed down this week. The combination of Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert seem to be ready for what any team can throw their way.
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 41, New York Giants 17
Vegas Line: Chargers by 3.5.
Chicago Bears at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday 2:25 p.m.
The Raiders have vastly improved this season and they will still be looking to win. Honestly with their roster changes, I’m a little worried that the Broncos won’t be able to beat them twice this season.
I think that if the Raiders can keep improving this season, they have a chance at the playoffs. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the Bears with a straight face even though Vegas has them favored while playing on the road this week.
The Bears have banked on QB Caleb Williams as their franchise guy, but I (and my friends who are Bears’ fans) just haven’t seen it yet. This season will definitely prove if Williams is the guy, or just a waste of time. Don’t expect anything great from him this week.
Trevor’s Pick: Las Vegas Raiders 24, Chicago Bears 17
Vegas Line: Bears by 1.5.
