Chiefs Fighting for Survival on Turkey Day
Trevor Phipps
After their big win against the Chiefs, the Broncos have become the talk of the state.
To many insiders, it seemed that the Broncos finally put together an all-around good game, even though the score was close.
Even with a few bad calls that seemed to favor the Chiefs, the Broncos prevailed with their eighth “W” in a row and may have finally put a halt to a dynasty that ruled the AFC West for years. It’s fair to say that nobody at the beginning of the year thought the Broncos would be sitting at 9-2 after 11 games, while the Chiefs would find themselves hedging at possibly having a losing record.
With their win, they also most surely ruined the Chiefs’ chance at winning the division and may have even endangered KC’s playoff prospects. And with their rather easy schedule this point forward, Bronco fans are very optimistic.
Now that they experienced a week off to rest, expectations will be higher than usual, and the team could become more of a target to their remaining opponents. Yes, the fear of choking will now become a reality. Hopefully the team will remain healthier and ready to win by more than just one score.
If their offense has a chance to really shine and put some points up on the board, THIS IS their week.
Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders, Sunday 6:20 p.m.
Of all the games the Broncos play or the remainder of the season, this Prime-Time Sunday evening outing should probably be their easiest. The bye should help them re-energize and prepare to battle a rather lackluster team, which as of press time, encountered five straight losses.
One definite highlight of the Broncos’ team this year is their ability to slightly improve week after week. With our coaching staff, we will hopefully see more of that quality as the season reaches a conclusion.
And even though the Broncos could probably beat the Commanders without improving their game, they really need to show the NFC football nation that they can beat poor teams by substantial margins. I really would like to see the offense put up close to 50 points for this game, and give their defense a slight breather. The real disadvantage they face with their strong first-place status is that they now will be wearing a major target on their back.
The Commanders have definitely disappointed their fans this season. After making it to the playoffs with a rookie quarterback in 2024, many believed this could be Washington’s year. That hasn’t been the case.
The Commanders have not shown much this year. After their top QB Jayden Daniels got injured, the team plunged to the bottom of the NFC East division. In fact, after Week 11, stats gave them nearly a zero percent chance of making the playoffs.
Trevor’ Pick: Denver Broncos 47, Washington Commanders 18
Vegas Line: Broncos by close to a touchdown
Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday 2:30 p.m.
Even though the Chiefs lost against the Broncos in Week 11, I thought they played a heck of a game. They really made the Broncos earn it. In fact, I definitely think the team is better than their 5-5 record shows.
Patrick Mahomes still knows how to make long passes and come in clutch. The team’s defense always seems to keep their all-star QB in the game.
The Cowboys though have baffled me this season. Sometimes they really come out swinging. But then, they seem to drop some matches that they should have won
However, the team is not quite out of the playoff run and they will want to win this week. We will just see which Cowboys team shows up
Trevor’s Pick: Kansas City Chiefs 31, Dallas Cowboys 28
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 4.5.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday 2:25 p.m.
In the beginning of the season, I might have said that this would be a good match. But now, I’d say it’s probably not worth watching. However, it is a division rivalry game.
After Week 11, both the Chargers and Raiders dropped in the AFC West. The Chargers were two games behind the Broncos and the Raiders basically ruined any chance they had at the postseason.
The Chargers haven’t really been the top-notch team many projected at the beginning of the season. Still, they seem to have the Broncos’ number when the two teams play. But with a struggling Raiders team, I don’t think they will have to play that good to win.
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 38, Las Vegas Raiders 14
Vegas Line: Chargers by 6.5.
Other Games to Watch
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions, Thursday 11 a.m.
This Thanksgiving morning game is definitely one to watch. The division rivalry should be close since both teams look good and are battling to win their division.
Vegas says that the Lions have a slight edge (mainly due to playing at home). But the Packers do have a slightly better record.
Trevor’s Pick: Green Bay Packers 28, Detroit Lions 24
Vegas Line: Lions by 2.5.
Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles, Friday 1 p.m.
This Black Friday match will be another interesting one to watch. The Bears seem to be one of the most up-and-coming teams in the NFC, and the Eagles are the returning world champions.
I definitely think this will be a close match with the Bears having much more of a chance to win than what Vegas seems to think.
Trevor’s Pick: Philadelphia Eagles 31, Chicago Bears 30
Vegas Line: Eagles by 7.
