AFC West Divisional Recap - Week 8
Photo Credit: Michael Owens, Getty Images
Denver Broncos 24, Kansas City Chiefs 9
It was a cold one in Denver on Sunday. The Broncos, who were hopefully trying to end the 16-game losing streak against their division rivals, came out swinging against the division-leading Chiefs. The game started off with a huge stop leading to a long punt return by wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. The team ended up scoring a touchdown on the first drive, the first of which the Chiefs’ defense has allowed all season.
The Broncos’ defense put on a show, forcing five turnovers including two from safety Justin Simmons and a huge interception from cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian in the first half.
It just looked like Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, couldn't get anything going. He posted 241 passing yards, unfortunately for the Chiefs, Taylor Swift wasn't in attendance so tight end Travis Kelce didn't have a great day with only six receptions for 58 yards.
Broncos QB Russell Wilson played pretty well, considering he only had 114 passing yards. He put up three passing touchdowns and finished with a 119.3 passer rating. Denver looked to control almost the whole game and came out with a hard-fought win 24-9.
The Chiefs (6-2) hoping to avoid back-to-back losses, Chiefs still hold a strong lead in the AFC West. They have to get their offense back on track, especially with tough games coming up against the Dolphins, Eagles, and division-rival Raiders.
The Broncos (3-5) have won back-to-back games, and look to get themselves back into playoff contention. Having finally hit their groove on offense in these wins, they go into a bye week before a Week 10 tilt with the Buffalo Bills.
Photo Credit: Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Chargers 30, Chicago Bears 13
The Los Angeles Chargers stayed home to play the always unpredictable Chicago Bears.
Things started off just as they wanted with a quick three and out, a great first drive led to a 39-yard receiving touchdown to running back Austin Ekeler which was his first touchdown since Week 1.
The Chargers went up 24-7 at the break, scoring on all of their first-half drives. Los Angeles QB Justin Herbert had a huge bounce-back game, throwing for a total of 298 yards and three touchdowns.
The Bolts’ defense had a great game forcing two interceptions and four tackles for loss. Bears QB Tyson Bagent finished with 232 passing yards completing 25/37 attempts and a rushing touchdown, the effort just simply wasn't enough against this caliber defense. The heavily-favored Chargers cruised past Chicago on Sunday Night Football, winning 30-13.
The Chargers (3-4) needed this win to get some confidence back after last week’s loss to the Chiefs. NFL fans will learn who the Chargers really are in these next few weeks, as their upcoming games are against the Jets, Lions, and Packers.
Getting Ekeler involved may be the key for the Chargers and that's what they did on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Sam Morris, Getty Images
Las Vegas Raiders @ Detroit Lions
After a disappointing loss against the Chicago Bears, the Raiders hope to have better luck against a team that also had a brutal loss last week.
Vegas is going to need a big defensive presence if they are going to stop the Lions’ elite offense. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is listed on the injury report as questionable for Monday's game, which will be a huge loss for Detroit along with David Montgomery being out if St. Brown doesn’t play.
Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo is looking good to go. His return could mean the difference in this game, as he has a better ability to get the ball to the Raiders’ weapons, mainly WR Davante Adams and RB Josh Jacobs. The Lions are favored to win this game by 7.5 points, but the Raiders could shock the world and send Detroit continuing on their spiral after last week’s loss.
The Raiders (3-4) have not clicked on either side of the ball. Even though they sit second in the division, the chemistry between their players is nonexistent in most cases. There’s no counting this team out with the talent they have on both sides of the ball, so look out for them to make a playoff push as the season progresses.
Division Standings Week 8:
Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)
Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)
Los Angeles Chargers (3-4)
Denver Broncos (3-5)
