AFC West Roundup

[iknowftbll]

Random note: Chiefs fans have whined about the Broncos having a "dirty" defense. After watching the Chiefs in the first two games this season, I wonder if they'll take the same criteria for "dirty" they applied toward Broncos players and apply it toward their own Marcus Peters. He's been a hot head and flagged often in the first two games, and is chippy between plays even when not flagged.

 

[cdumler7]

Random note: Chiefs fans have whined about the Broncos having a "dirty" defense. After watching the Chiefs in the first two games this season, I wonder if they'll take the same criteria for "dirty" they applied toward Broncos players and apply it toward their own Marcus Peters. He's been a hot head and flagged often in the first two games, and is chippy between plays even when not flagged.

Seems like that 1st game because there were no other games to talk about just got picked apart for every little detail. If that game happened on any other Sunday with 15 other NFL games going on that weekend or Monday we maybe hear about how they need to watch out for some of those things but the conversation would have stopped there. Playing aggressive is going to lead to some bad looking hits. It just happens. Yes Stewart went too high on a hit. Yes Cam took a few shots to the head. This happens though from time to time. We see players every week get fined for shots to the head. And what is funny is most NFL players will tell you that they would rather get hit in the head than the knee. I remember TJ Ward got called dirty because he hit Gronk in the knee which ended his season. So to me no matter what our players do some people are going to label them dirty because they hit hard and never let up.

 

[iknowftbll]

My predictions for the AFC West teams:

Broncos @ Bengals: Broncos. Trevor Siemian's 1-3 TD-INT ratio isn't going to impress anyone, but he may not have to in this one. The Bengals are ranked 32nd against the run, giving up 138 per game on the ground. The Broncos 141 per game is good for 4th in the league right now. Meanwhile the Bengals 31st ranked rushing attack looks to get it started against the Broncos defense. The Broncos run defense may not look that great in the rankings (currently ranked 24th) after playing teams like the Panthers and Colts, but it is still a good unit. It's the pass defense that will have its hands full against Dalton and AJ Green. This won't be an easy game in the least, but the Broncos defense continues to dominate and the offense leans heavily on the ground game, exploiting the Bengals weakness and grinding for the win. Broncos 24, Bengals 16.

Raiders @ Titans: Titans. The Raiders are by far the more flashy of these two teams. When an offense can score the way the Raiders has people sometimes overlook the glaring flaws on defense. This game is the perfect opportunity for that Titans offense to find its next gear against what is shaping up to be one of the league's worst defenses. The Raiders offense will also get its shots in, but the Titans on defense are far better than either of the two units the Raiders have faced so far. And returning home after a 1-point road win probably has them believing they can get something going here. Titans 27, Raiders 24.

Jets @ Chiefs: Chiefs. After 2 games apiece I am willing to say the Jets are the better team. On offense they have all the stuff to give that Chiefs defense a workout. Their front 7 has the ability to get after Alex Smith and force mistakes much the way the Texans did. I am not convinced the Chiefs are that great a team. I'll give them credit for storming back against the Chargers, but I said after that game they'd be unable to do it against a better team than the Chargers and that proved right against the Texans. But I am picking them to win this one anyway because they do have enough talent on the roster and good enough coaching that this sloppy play we've seen from them so far won't last forever. Chiefs 31, Jets 24.

Chargers @ Colts: Chargers. The Chargers offense is just too good for that Colts defense. Philip Rivers may have 500 passing yards by the time this one is in the books. The Colts will be able to score too, but I doubt they keep up with the Chargers. They are simply not fast enough on offense and even though the Chargers have already suffered some devastating injuries on offense they rung the Jags for 38 points. Chargers 34, Colts 30.

 

[randymon]

My predictions for the AFC West teams:

Broncos @ Bengals: Broncos. Trevor Siemian's 1-3 TD-INT ratio isn't going to impress anyone, but he may not have to in this one. The Bengals are ranked 32nd against the run, giving up 138 per game on the ground. The Broncos 141 per game is good for 4th in the league right now. Meanwhile the Bengals 31st ranked rushing attack looks to get it started against the Broncos defense. The Broncos run defense may not look that great in the rankings (currently ranked 24th) after playing teams like the Panthers and Colts, but it is still a good unit. It's the pass defense that will have its hands full against Dalton and AJ Green. This won't be an easy game in the least, but the Broncos defense continues to dominate and the offense leans heavily on the ground game, exploiting the Bengals weakness and grinding for the win. Broncos 24, Bengals 16.

Raiders @ Titans: Titans. The Raiders are by far the more flashy of these two teams. When an offense can score the way the Raiders has people sometimes overlook the glaring flaws on defense. This game is the perfect opportunity for that Titans offense to find its next gear against what is shaping up to be one of the league's worst defenses. The Raiders offense will also get its shots in, but the Titans on defense are far better than either of the two units the Raiders have faced so far. And returning home after a 1-point road win probably has them believing they can get something going here. Titans 27, Raiders 24.

Jets @ Chiefs: Chiefs. After 2 games apiece I am willing to say the Jets are the better team. On offense they have all the stuff to give that Chiefs defense a workout. Their front 7 has the ability to get after Alex Smith and force mistakes much the way the Texans did. I am not convinced the Chiefs are that great a team. I'll give them credit for storming back against the Chargers, but I said after that game they'd be unable to do it against a better team than the Chargers and that proved right against the Texans. But I am picking them to win this one anyway because they do have enough talent on the roster and good enough coaching that this sloppy play we've seen from them so far won't last forever. Chiefs 31, Jets 24.

Chargers @ Colts: Chargers. The Chargers offense is just too good for that Colts defense. Philip Rivers may have 500 passing yards by the time this one is in the books. The Colts will be able to score too, but I doubt they keep up with the Chargers. They are simply not fast enough on offense and even though the Chargers have already suffered some devastating injuries on offense they rung the Jags for 38 points. Chargers 34, Colts 30.

Can't really argue with any of those predictions or reasons for them. The way each team has performed " at this point " anyway, seems reasonable. There just isn't enough out there right now to argue for or against your predictions/ assumptions. Let's see how you do in week 8 Ikf.

 

[iknowftbll]

Can't really argue with any of those predictions or reasons for them. The way each team has performed " at this point " anyway, seems reasonable. There just isn't enough out there right now to argue for or against your predictions/ assumptions. Let's see how you do in week 8 Ikf.

In my estimation it gets easier in week 8 than week 3. I pick all the games every week on another forum and I went 11-5 week 1, 9-7 week 2. Pretty standard start for me. Mid-season I'll hit 12-2 a couple times (when teams have bye weeks) and 13-3 a couple times every year after all the bye weeks are over.

 

[randymon]

In my estimation it gets easier in week 8 than week 3. I pick all the games every week on another forum and I went 11-5 week 1, 9-7 week 2. Pretty standard start for me. Mid-season I'll hit 12-2 a couple times (when teams have bye weeks) and 13-3 a couple times every year after all the bye weeks are over.

That's what I meant. Right now it's unknown territory with most teams. Come middle of season, teams are more stable and predictions are easier based on weaknesses,etc. Still, you have to " know " your football. Look forward to your assessments as always

 

[iknowftbll]

That's what I meant. Right now it's unknown territory with most teams. Come middle of season, teams are more stable and predictions are easier based on weaknesses,etc. Still, you have to " know " your football. Look forward to your assessments as always

You guys are too nice to me. Most of the regulars here can run circles around me with respect to their football knowledge.

 

[CEH]

Denver is the only f**king team that can beat NE on a consistent basis. What HOU did last night was an abortion.

Let's just pencil in NE into the AFCC game (HFA) and hope we can get through the other teams because all the other NFL teams have their heads up their asses when they can't even compete with a NE team sometimes missing Brady , Gronk, Nik.

 

[SpringStein]

Denver is the only f**king team that can beat NE on a consistent basis. What HOU did last night was an abortion.

Let's just pencil in NE into the AFCC game (HFA) and hope we can get through the other teams because all the other NFL teams have their heads up their asses when they can't even compete with a NE team sometimes missing Brady , Gronk, Nik.

I found myself being jealous of Gostkowsi's kick offs last night. That's exactly what I've wanted to see from Denver - kick it high and right around the goal line. Of course the Texans made it look even better with two fumbles...

 

[CEH]

I found myself being jealous of Gostkowsi's kick offs last night. That's exactly what I've wanted to see from Denver - kick it high and right around the goal line. Of course the Texans made it look even better with two fumbles...

I think McManus did that 2 times . To start the 2nd half but tried on all kickoffs. His approach was shorted.. See this is the little situational things that separates BB from everyone else.

 

[SpringStein]

I think McManus did that 2 times . To start the 2nd half but tried on all kickoffs. His approach was shorted.. See this is the little situational things that separates BB from everyone else.

As we were saying... Through three games, Patriots have played kickoff rule perfectly

 

[CEH]

If not for the Manning brothers, Brady and BB would probably have 3-4 more Super Bowl.

 

[iknowftbll]

Denver is the only f**king team that can beat NE on a consistent basis. What HOU did last night was an abortion.

Let's just pencil in NE into the AFCC game (HFA) and hope we can get through the other teams because all the other NFL teams have their heads up their asses when they can't even compete with a NE team sometimes missing Brady , Gronk, Nik.

This is something that makes this era of Broncos teams something special. Even before Elway's return, Shanahan's Broncos dealt the Patriots some losses, too. More recently the Broncos giving the Patriots 2 AFCCG losses is not insignificant. The Patriots will likely be remembered as the best team in this generation of football. Their accomplishments since 2001 far surpasses what any other team has done. But even through that, there is one team they have been unable to subdue, and that's the Denver Broncos.

 

[cdumler7]

Denver is the only f**king team that can beat NE on a consistent basis. What HOU did last night was an abortion.

Let's just pencil in NE into the AFCC game (HFA) and hope we can get through the other teams because all the other NFL teams have their heads up their asses when they can't even compete with a NE team sometimes missing Brady , Gronk, Nik.

There is maybe one other team I think stands a chance against them and that is the Steelers. They have the offensive firepower to actually take advantage of that Patriot defense and maybe can get just enough stops to find a way to win. I agree though good chance the playoffs go through Foxboro this year unless our QB shows tremendous growth over the next couple of weeks and we just happen to go on a ridiculous run.

 

[cdumler7]

Forgot that I had Marcus Mariota on one of my fantasy teams this week. Definitely starting him against the Raiders defense. Should be good for 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

 

[cdumler7]

Just a couple of notes about our division rivals for today's games.

Chiefs
Jamaal Charles will miss another game. This recovery for him is taking much longer than people thought. Every week we keep hearing how he looks ready to go and then he sits. Now given they do have some great RB's still on the roster so maybe they are thinking there is no reason to really hurry him along.

Raiders
Looks like their 1st round pick Karl Joseph will get his first NFL start today. I was shocked he wasn't already starting considering the Raiders safety play has been down right terrible so far. Not a good look when your 1st round pick can't make it on the field at the weakest position on the team.

Chargers
Gates and Bosa are going to miss this game. Seems like the 1st round picks of the AFC West might not show what they've got until next year for the most part. Chiefs so far getting the most return for their investment with 2nd round pick Chris Jones playing well.

So which of the 3 games that our divisional opponents are playing in are you most interested in?

Honestly for me it is Chargers/Colts. Chargers have honestly shocked me so far this year. Could they actually be our toughest rival for the Division? And the Colts...They might be playing for their season this week. Historically 0-3 has meant the end of the season for most. Only 5 teams have made the playoffs after starting 0-3. So should be a good one.

Right now I have the Chiefs and Chargers winning with the Raiders losing this Sunday the more I have thought about things. Jets are a tough opponent for the Chiefs but with it being a home game I think the Chiefs win a close one. Chargers I think they have shown a decent enough defense to slow down Luck just enough and well Rivers if you have him in fantasy football I would be starting him right now! And the Raiders I just can't get over how terrible that defense is. This will be the first decent defense they run into this season so I think that offense gets slowed down a bit and well I think the Titans will just run it down the throats of the Raiders. They can't stop the run or pass and I just think the Titans will bully that Raiders defense.

 

[iknowftbll]

Right now I have the Chiefs and Chargers winning with the Raiders losing this Sunday the more I have thought about things. Jets are a tough opponent for the Chiefs but with it being a home game I think the Chiefs win a close one. Chargers I think they have shown a decent enough defense to slow down Luck just enough and well Rivers if you have him in fantasy football I would be starting him right now! And the Raiders I just can't get over how terrible that defense is. This will be the first decent defense they run into this season so I think that offense gets slowed down a bit and well I think the Titans will just run it down the throats of the Raiders. They can't stop the run or pass and I just think the Titans will bully that Raiders defense.

I'm in the same place you are. Chiefs and Chargers move to 2-1 and the Raiders offense get a far more stout defense than they've seen so far while their defense gets run through once again. What is great about this week though is the Chiefs and Chargers are both playing teams that can beat them too. That can also be said of the Broncos so we have to acknowledge that possibility. But the possibility of a 3-0 start with all others 1-2 is real too and that is an exciting prospect.

 

[cdumler7]

I'm in the same place you are. Chiefs and Chargers move to 2-1 and the Raiders offense get a far more stout defense than they've seen so far while their defense gets run through once again. What is great about this week though is the Chiefs and Chargers are both playing teams that can beat them too. That can also be said of the Broncos so we have to acknowledge that possibility. But the possibility of a 3-0 start with all others 1-2 is real too and that is an exciting prospect.

Can you imagine all the national media guys explaining how the Broncos continue to dominate this division and possibly have a 2 game lead? I mean I saw very few pick the Broncos to win the division. Some had them as wild card possibilities but most just thought this team would fall apart. Now given 2 games in that is still a real possibility but this team just keeps showing they have picked up where they left off. There really hasn't been that Super Bowl hang over that everybody talks about.

You are right though all 4 teams have tough games today. I could see this being a great day as a Bronco fan with not only us winning but the rest losing or I could see us losing and the rest winning. I really hope that 2nd option doesn't happen as I would rather not hear it from Raiders and Chiefs fans this week. Going to be an interesting day in the AFC West. Honestly I would say the Broncos have the least amount of pressure though for needing a win. No team wants to fall behind by 2 games this early in the year and even if the Broncos lose and the others win they are still tied for the division lead. So again the others have a lot of pressure to get things on the right track this week.

 

[iknowftbll]

So after week 3 the AFC West standings are:

Broncos: 3-0
Chiefs: 2-1
Raiders: 2-1
Chargers: 2-1

We've discussed the Broncos win at great length. I expected a better showing out of the Jets, but ultimately expected a Chiefs win in that game too. The Raiders defense finally showed up. I expected the Titans weak offense to be able to take advantage of the Raiders weak defense but that was not the case. But worth noting: that mid-tier Titans defense held the high flying Raiders to just 17 points. I'm still not convinced the Raiders D is anything special, and their offense has yet to play a top-third defense. Translation: it may be too early to buy playoff tickets, Raiders fans! As for the Chargers...well at least ONE AFC West team not named the Broncos lost this week!

 

[xBxtxDx]

Interesting also for the Chargers, they had another major season ending injury possibly in Manti Teo going down with an Achilles injury. They also had another couple of lesser players also that might be gone for the season. They are already on track to blow past their injury riddled last season, not that I have any sympathy for them, but damn that has to suck.

This also makes me ponder what CDumler and I were discussing before in what the Broncos do as far as trying to take care of their players in innovative methods. Knowing the Chargers and Spanos being as cheap as they are, I doubt that they are doing much of anything which leaves me to wonder if all of that is really that important. I have watched the Chargers at Qualcomm and they really do not even do much stretching out. Sometimes I amazed that teams just do not pay enough attention to advances in sports medicine, nutrition, and hydration.