This division was the best in the NFL last year, and looks to be pretty good this year too. The Broncos are the clear favorite, but the Chargers are on a roll and Philip Rivers looks to be MVP caliber this year. Last week, the Broncos had the bye, this week it's the Oakland Raiders taking the week off; and it couldn’t come at a better time after firing head coach Dennis Allen. So, here’s a look at how the AFC West teams matchup for Week 5.
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos, Sunday 4:05 pm ET
Overview
Arizona is 3-0 and are playing some great football without their starting quarterback, Carson Palmer who is battling a shoulder injury; his status is also unknown for this week after a concerning setback, but they have done very well with Drew Stanton. Cards have beaten some pretty good teams this year in the Chargers and 49ers, and they will look to remain perfect in a tough Denver environment.
2-1 Denver will host a 3-0 Cardinals team this Sunday with both teams coming off a Week 4 bye. For the Broncos, they suffered a tough 26-20 overtime loss to the Seahawks in Week 3. Denver has a tough road ahead with some serious contenders on their schedule; Cardinals included. Their defense, that was expected to be dominant, has underperformed this year which is a bit of a surprise.
Key Matchups
Broncos secondary vs Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd: Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. will have their hands full with Fitzgerald as he is one of the best receivers in the game. He’s a threat downfield and is utilized by the quarterback whether it be Palmer or Stanton.
Peyton Manning vs Cardinals Defense: The Cards have a solid defense and are ranked fifth in total defense. Manning and the Broncos offense struggled at first against the Seahawks defense, but eventually found a groove. They will have to do the same thing this week against the Cardinals.
Final Prediction (Cardinals 24, Broncos 27)
This is going to be a close call, especially with both fresh off the bye, but home field will be an advantage to Denver at Mile High. A field goal will be the difference in this one, and it will go the Broncos way.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 PM ET
Overview
Alex Smith will take on the team that traded him away this week, but it won’t be at Candlestick where Smith played for eight years. Instead it will be at Levi’s Stadium where the Niners, barely, got their first home win of the season last week.
The 2-2 Chiefs are coming off a 41-14 win against the New England Patriots on Monday night, and are feeling good heading into this game. They were able to put the pressure on Brady and dominate that game both offensively and defensively.
The 2-2 Niners have had their share of struggles this year, but had a good game last week as they handed the Eagles their first loss of the season.
Key Matchups
Chiefs Defensive Line vs Niners Run Game: The Chiefs have allowed on average five yards per carry and the Niners will put their run defense to the test with Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde.
Chiefs Run Game vs Niners Defensive Line: KC also has a strong run game with Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis who have combined for 514 yards on 110 carries the last three games. This week will be a challenge for them, however, as the 49ers defense has only allowed 3.5 yards per attempt.
Final Prediction (Chiefs 20 Niners 27)
Both teams are coming off wins, and emotions will be high for Smith making this a close one. Niners have an advantage with a solid offense and run game against a Chiefs defense that is prone to the run. KC’s run duo has been dynamic, but will struggle against the Niners defense.
New York Jets at San Diego Chargers, Sunday 4:25 PM ET
Overview
The 3-1 Chargers will host the 1-3 Jets this Sunday. San Diego looks to be a force in the West this year behind a stellar start by quarterback Philip Rivers. They are riding a three game win streak and are currently in first place in the division.
For the Jets, they have had a slow start and again are having trouble at the quarterback position with Geno Smith. However, New York’s defense is one of the best in the league, ranked third, and is very good against the run. Although fans are calling for Michael Vick, it looks like coach Rex Ryan will stick with Smith.
Key Matchups
Chargers Offense vs Jets Defense: The key to this game is the Chargers reaching the end zone against a tough Rex Ryan defense. San Diego’s run game isn’t very strong right now without Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead so they will rely on the passing game; which isn’t such a bad thing. Quarterbacks have a 106.8 passer rating vs the Jets defense, and with Rivers already having a great year, he has the opportunity to have a big game.
Final Prediction (Jets 17 Chargers 27)
The Chargers are on a roll and face a struggling Jets team. San Diego has been victorious against a few good defenses already this season including the Seattle Seahawks. The New York offense will struggle which is an advantage to the Chargers as they take this one and improve to 4-1.