Week 1 has quickly come and gone, and when it comes to the AFC West, only one team was happy with their 2014 debut performance. The Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers all suffered losses while the Broncos beat the Colts on Sunday Night Football. Looking ahead to Week 2 action, there will be a few key games with exciting matchups.
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers, Sunday 4:05 ET
Overview
Well, the Chargers looked like they were going to be 1-0 after Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, but after a missed snap by Philip Rivers the Cards were able to take the lead as they won 18-17. Tough loss for the Chargers and it doesn’t get any easier this week with the Seahawks coming to town. Seattle is coming off a decisive victory over the Packers and feature a very tough defense with an explosive offense behind Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch. The Chargers will have their hands full for their home opener.
Key Matchups
Chargers defensive line vs Marshawn Lynch: The Chargers front seven will have to stop Lynch at the line of scrimmage to have a chance in this game. If Beast Mode is able to break through it could be a long day for the Chargers and their fans.
Chargers offensive line vs Seattle defensive line: The front seven are going to be a big part of this game. With Richard Sherman going for the Seahawks, Rivers will likely be limited in the passing game making the run game and Ryan Mathews rather important.
Final Prediction (Seahawks 31 Chargers 17)
The Seahawks are just a much better team with an offense that will be able to put the pressure on Rivers while also having a threat in the secondary. Chargers defense has improved, but they will have trouble stopping the run with Beast Mode leading the way.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, Sunday 4:05 ET
Overview
The first inter divisional matchup of 2014 comes in just the second week with two playoff teams going head to head. Last week the Chiefs really struggled against the Tennessee Titans as Alex Smith threw three interceptions. Their defense, however, was able to get four sacks while showing that they are KC’s strength this year.
Denver on the other hand beat the Colts in a game that came down to the wire. Manning was typical Manning throwing for 269 yards and three touchdowns. Their revamped defense, however, allowed the Colts to get back in the game, but stood their ground when needed to secure the win.
This will be an intriguing matchup and a good test for a Chiefs team who is expected to regress this year.
Key Matchups
Chiefs secondary vs Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Julius Thomas: Last week, Julius Thomas had a career game against the Colts while Demaryius Thomas only had four receptions for 48 yards. Manning has several offensive targets, and the Chiefs secondary is going to have to make sure they have good coverage and avoid big pickups.
Chiefs offensive line vs Broncos defensive line: The Broncos have a powerful pass rush with Von Miller and Demarcus Ware. With Smith a proven quarterback to fall under pressure, the offensive line has to step up and allow him time to get set in the pocket and throw. The run game will also be crucial for KC; luckily they have a pretty good running back in Jamaal Charles.
Final Prediction (Chiefs 13 Broncos 31)
Denver is in a league of its own and the Chiefs struggled to put up 10 points against the Titans defense. This week they will face a much tougher opponent at Mile High in Denver. Broncos win this one easily to start the year 2-0.
Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders, Sunday 4:25 ET
Overview
The Raiders are coming off a difficult loss to the New York Jets which involved a nonexistent offense. Derek Carr had a nice NFL debut throwing two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Defense also did their part, allowing only 19 points with Charles Woodson picking off Geno Smith. This was a game the Raiders were in for all four quarters, but came up short after not executing in critical situations.
This week they will face an improved Texans team, and with Jadeveon Clowney out the Oakland offensive line will have to work to keep J.J. Watt away from Carr.
Key Matchups
Raiders O-Line vs. JJ Watt: Oakland’s offensive line struggled against the Jets front seven last week as Carr was unable to move the ball due to so much pressure. The run game also suffered due to an immense pass rush. Watt is one of the best defensive players in the game and will attack the quarterback. It’s on the O-line to protect Carr, give him time, and also create holes for Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden to break through.
Final Prediction (Texans 14 Raiders 20)
With Clowney out, the Raiders offense catches a break by only having to worry about Watt. Defense played well last week, and the offense should be able to move the ball better in front of Raider Nation. Play calling was a huge factor in the lack of success on offense, so if they open up the playbook and allow Carr to throw downfield, Oakland should be 1-1 heading into Week 3.