Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos 2016: AFC West Preview - Week Eight

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the season nearly halfway complete, we take a look at the Denver Broncos and the rest of the AFC West in our weekly divisional preview.

Nearing the halfway point of the 2016 season, the Denver Broncos find themselves in a close race for the AFC West crown. This makes every game more important especially when it is against a division opponent. That is the case this week, as the Broncos face the San Diego Chargers for the second time in three weeks. For my thoughts and prediction on this game, as well as the other week five game featuring AFC West teams, please continue reading.

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San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos: Let’s cut right to the chase – C.J. Anderson is out so what are the Broncos going to do? On the surface, it is my assumption that Devontae Booker will be thrown into the spotlight, literally! This is his time to shine, err, or not! The last couple of games he has shown why the Broncos drafted him. I enjoy watching him run because he is somewhat of a bruiser! I hope Booker seizes the moment and has a solid game.

Injuries are always unfortunate and never, ever happen at a good time. Anderson’s injury seems a bit more disheartening because it was right when the Broncos running game took off – against the Houston Texans on Monday night. It should have though – Texans rushing defense is ranked 29th in the league allowing 135.4 yards per game (these stats include the Monday night game). San Diego allows 90.1 rushing yards per game, which is good enough to be 8th in the league. Needless to say, I would be really surprised if the Broncos running game takes off this week. That means it will be up to Trevor Siemian and the passing game!

All those things being said, the Broncos shouldn’t be short on emotion this week considering the Chargers beat them 21-13 two weeks ago! My feeling is that the AFC West is going to come down to the wire this year so at this point in the season, games against division foes and at home are must wins. However they do it – running, passing, or shutting the Chargers offense completely down – the orange and blue must find a way to log their sixth win of the season.

Prediction: Denver 28, San Diego 17

Oct 23, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Oakland Raiders won 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Now let us take a look at the rest of the divisional teams and see what awaits them this week

Oakland Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The offseason hype of the Raiders seems to be coming true – slowly, but surely. After seven weeks, the Broncos and Raiders are tied atop the division at 5-2. Next week the Broncos travel west to face the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, in what I hope is a battle of two 6-2 teams. In order to reach that point, the Raiders will have to beat the 3-3 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are on a two game winning streak that included victories over the Carolina Panthers (17-14) and the San Francisco 49ers (34-17).

Despite Tampa Bay’s two game winning streak, I think the Raiders will win, continuing their undefeated road streak. As a Bronco fan, I am not a huge Raider fan, obviously, but it is crucial to keep an eye on them considering they are definitely trending upward, which is so different that previous years. Besides, I have a nephew who has been, and will always be a die-hard Raiders fan and we love to give each other a hard time. After week eight is complete, we have mutually agreed to put our family ties on hold for seven days…. all in fun of course.

My head tells me the Raiders will win, but my heart wants Tampa Bay to win!

Prediction: Oakland 20, Tampa Bay 17

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) signals his team during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

How do things look for the Chiefs this week? Let us dive right into it.

Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts:

The Chiefs at 4-2 are right in the hunt for first place in the division and are traveling to Indianapolis to take on the Colts, an AFC team. A lot of football remains, but this game could very well have a huge impact when it comes playoff time. At 3-4 the Colts are fighting to save their season so they have to be considering this game a must win.

Unlike the Raiders, the Chiefs haven’t found much success on the road. The three Chiefs games away from Arrowhead have resulted in a 1-2 record. The two losses included the ugly 43-14 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week four and a week two loss 19-12 against the Brock Osweiler led Houston Texans.

Osweiler and Ben Roethlisberger beat the Chiefs so now I hope Andrew Luck can do it. I definitely give the advantage to the Colts because they’re at home. That being said, the Chiefs have an opportunity to continue their winning streak on the road – it started in week six when the Chiefs went to a soggy Oakland and manhandled the Raiders in the second half, securing a 26-10 victory over the Raiders.

Prediction: Kansas City 17, Indianapolis 20

Go Broncos – beat the Chargers!

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