Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos 2016: AFC West Preview - Week Three

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

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The Denver Broncos try to maintain their early divisional lead in week three when they hit the road for the first time this season. For my random thoughts on this game, as well as the other week three games featuring AFC West teams please continue reading.

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals: The Broncos were fortunate to start the season with two home games – no doubt it contributed somewhat to their 2-0 start. The AFC West leading Broncos must now hit the road to face the 1-1 Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are coming off a 24-16 loss at the hands of their divisional rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Broncos are on the road for the first time, the Bengals are at home for the first time this season. Being the home-opener for Cincinnati and the fact that the defending Super Bowl champions are visiting most likely will put the crowd in a frenzy, something that may present challenges for the Broncos.

As was the case in the first two games, Bronco fans will continue to watch Trevor Siemian to see how he continues to handle the role as the Broncos starting quarterback. Siemian has been solid the first two games, however, he has made some mistakes leading to turnovers. This is to be expected for a young quarterback, but hopefully as his comfort level increases, the mistakes will decrease. As I watch Siemian, I am impressed because he appears patient and totally understands that he can’t win or lose the game on one play. The Bengals are ranked 15th in overall defense allowing 357 yards per game. When it comes to rushing defense and passing defense, the Bengals are rated 11th in in the league in both categories. Will this be a bust-out week for the Broncos offense? I don’t think so.

As the Broncos offense continues to “find themselves”, I am expecting (or hoping) that the Broncos defense will once again rise up and keep us in the game, if not outright win it! I have heard the Bronco players say that they felt the defense would be better this season than last year due to another year of the system under their belts – after two weeks, I am convinced that this defense can be better than the 2015 version. That being said, I hope I don’t have egg on my face tomorrow after this battle between likely playoff teams!

Prediction: Denver 24, Cincinnati 21 (the defense makes another fourth quarter play to secure the win)

Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs: Talk about two teams coming off week two performances that were night and day. The Jets opened up week two on Thursday night in Buffalo handing the Buffalo Bills a 37-31 loss and putting up great offensive numbers – Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 374 yards and no interceptions; Matt Forte ran for 100 yards and three touchdowns; ex-Broncos Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall combined for 12 catches and 227 yards; Decker had one touchdown. Based on those numbers, the Chiefs defense will have their hands full if the Jets can duplicate their week two offensive explosion.

Kansas City traveled to Houston last week and were handed their first loss of the season, 19-12. Alex Smith fumbled twice while Spencer Ware put the ball on the ground one time which took away obvious scoring opportunities.

The only scoring in week two by the Chiefs came from four field goals – a fact that will have to change if the Jets offense comes out firing on all cylinders it showed in week two.

As much as I like to say it – Arrowhead Stadium will be an advantage to the Chiefs that the Buffalo Bills didn’t have!

Prediction: Kansas City 24, New York 10 (I have been to Arrowhead and think it will be too much for the Jets)

September 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans: I have a feeling that the Raiders will rebound and notch their second win of the season in Tennessee. The Raiders pass defense is absolutely getting torched for a league high 404 yards per game.

If the Raiders can shore this up even a little bit their fans will see a huge difference considering the Raiders offense is at the opposite end of the spectrum – that unit is leading the league in overall offense averaging 470 yards per game.

Tennessee’s offense is ranked 21st in the league, while their defense is ranked 19th – numbers that lead me to believe the Raiders should win this game!

Prediction: Oakland 28, Tennessee 17 (If this prediction is accurate, it does not benefit the Broncos in any way, however, I am giving them one more chance. A Raider loss in week three and I rethink my analysis)

Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) clenches his fist as he runs off the field following the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts: As the season progresses, it is enjoyable to watch a division rival play the same team the Broncos have recently played just for comparison – like the Chargers are doing in week three.

Last week the Colts visited Denver and played well making the second half very entertaining. Thanks to Denver’s defense (interception and fumble returned for touchdown) the Broncos handed the Colts a loss. Will San Diego be able to visit the Colts and cause as much havoc for Andrew Luck as the Broncos did?

Highly unlikely but you never know. Last week the Chargers easily beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 38-14 in San Diego. Jacksonville didn’t even score their two touchdowns until the fourth quarter. San Diego should not think their Sunday in Indianapolis will be as easy; say what you want but Andrew Luck is the real deal!

Holding Blake Bortles scoreless for three-quarters is one thing, doing it to Andrew Luck at home probably won’t happen, even if the Colts are 0-2. I expect the Colts to come out ready to play after the heart breaking loss in Denver.

Prediction: San Diego 17, Indianapolis 31 (Andrew Luck and Colts at home too much for Chargers; Chargers fall to last place in division if my predictions are correct)

Go Broncos – beat the Bengals!