Week 3 will be an interesting one in the AFC West after some surprising Week 2 performances. Last year this was the best division in football, and while it is still early, some AFC West teams have been impressive thus far. Here’s a look at this week’s matchups.
Oakland Raiders vs New England Patriots, Sunday 1:05 ET
Overview
The Raiders were expected to be a better team this year under veteran leadership. However, they have been pretty awful while losing their first two games of the season. Last Sunday they lost 30-14 to the Houston Texans who dominated the game as soon as it started. The one positive for the silver and black is Derek Carr who continues to get better with every snap.
The Patriots bounced back nicely last week handing the Minnesota Vikings a 30-7 loss. New England is now 1-1 as they face the Raiders in their home opener Sunday afternoon.
Key Matchups
Tom Brady vs Raiders defense: Brady is one of the best to ever play this game and the key for the Raiders to have any chance in this game is for the defense to get to Brady early and often. The Dolphins were able to do it and they beat the Pats 33-20 in Week 1.
Raiders defense vs Patriots run game: When you think of the Patriots you think of Tom Brady and the passing game, but the Raiders have allowed 400 rush yards through the first two games of the season; and as Dennis Allen said opposing teams will continue to run on the Raiders until they get this problem resolved. Justin Tuck and company will go up against the Pats run duo of Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen this week.
Raiders Offense vs Patriots defense: New England is known for their explosive offense rather than their defense, but last week they stepped up and only allowed seven to the Vikings. The Raiders need to establish the run game early this week; something they haven’t done yet this season. They need to move the ball and keep drives alive in order to keep Brady off the field. Carr has shown improvement, but he’ll need some help from his receivers as well.
Final Prediction (Raiders 17 Patriots 31)
It’s no secret the Raiders have struggled on the East coast, losing 14 straight, and now they have to go to Foxboro for the Pats home opener. They have been disappointing and uncompetitive this season which Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will take advantage of. This game has a chance to get ugly for the Raiders fast, but when all is said and done, Pats will hand Dennis Allen and the Raiders their ninth consecutive loss dating back to last season.
San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills, Sunday 1:05 ET
Overview
San Diego shocked a lot of people last week after beating the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks 30-21. Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes to Antonio Gates last week to lead them to victory. It was a hard fought game that came down to the wire, but the Bolts were able to hold on and take down the Seahawks to make them 1-1 heading into Week 3.
The Bills are another surprise team as they are 2-0 to start the year in the always tough AFC East. They beat the Dolphins 29-10 last week behind a solid game by EJ Manuel and Sammy Watkins. This will be a game to keep an eye on as the Chargers will attempt to hand the Bills their first loss of the year.
Key Matchups
Rivers and Gates vs Bills defense: Gates is no doubt one of Rivers favorite and most reliable targets on offense. If the Bills defense is able to eliminate Gates from the game plan, Rivers and the San Diego offense will struggle.
Chargers secondary vs Bills offense: Watkins had a big game for the Bills last week, and the Chargers defensive backs will have their hands full with the rookie. Last week, Brandon Flowers did not play due to injury which allowed Jason Verrett to have an impact on the defense. They beat the defending Super Bowl Champs without Flowers, but he is an important factor to this team and defense.
Final Prediction (Chargers 23 Bills 17)
This will be a close game, and can really go either way, but with the Chargers coming off a big upset against the Seahawks, they are feeling pretty good about themselves. Chargers get another big win this week.
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday 4:25 ET
Overview
After losing to the Seahawks 43-8 in the Super Bowl last year, the Broncos will seek revenge in Seattle. CenturyLink is not the ideal place to play, however, with the 12th man out in force it won’t be easy for the 2-0 Denver Broncos.
Peyton Manning and the Broncos struggled a bit last week against the Chiefs, only winning by a touchdown at home, but they will have Wes Welker back this week as well.
The Seahawks are coming off a tough loss to the Chargers, and will look to bounce back at home this week where they have won 18 of their last 19 including the playoffs.
Key Matchups
Broncos Offensive Line vs Seahawks Defensive Line: The Seahawks overall defense is intimidating, and they will try to get after Manning and throw him off his game; it’s up to the Denver front seven to protect Manning and give him time to work his magic.
Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas vs Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell: Both Thomas’ have been great offensive weapons for Manning this year, but after Julius Thomas ran the wrong route last week, he got an earful from his quarterback. This Sunday they’ll be up against one of the best corners in the game in Sherman, and while the Chargers are calling him out for his dominance, he’ll look to prove why he is one of the best in the league this week and try to pick off Manning.
Final Prediction (Broncos 24 Seahawks 28)
This will be an interesting Super Bowl rematch, but again the Broncos will fall to Seattle. After being upset by the Chargers last week, the Seahawks will return home to take another game from the Broncos. This team is dominant at home, and while the Broncos are good, the Seahawks will give them their first loss of the year.
Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins, Sunday 4:25 ET
Overview
The 0-2 Chiefs played the Broncos extremely well last week, but came seven points shy of getting their first win of the 2014 season. After struggling against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, Alex Smith was back to his old ways and played a good game.
After upsetting the Patriots in Week 1, the Dolphins lost their second matchup of the season on the road in Buffalo. This week they will host the Chiefs and will need a big game from Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, and Mike Wallace.
Key Matchups
Chiefs Offensive Line vs Dolphins Defensive Line: Smith struggles when under pressure, but he will be under pressure a bit this year with a brand new offensive line. They need to allow Smith time to scan the field and get the ball out. In Week 1 he threw three picks, last week none. They need to minimize the turnovers and protect Smith.
Knile Davis vs Dolphins defense: With Jamaal Charles out with a high ankle sprain, Davis will get the start. KC has to establish a run game because Charles has been such an important part of this team’s offense.
Final Prediction (Chiefs 24 Dolphins 20)
KC played extremely well against the Broncos last week, and with a lesser opponent in the Dolphins, expect the Chiefs to get their first win of the season.