NFL Week 2 has arrived for the AFC West; should we expect a shakeup among the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and L.A. Chargers? Let’s see how things are shaping up with the league’s opening week now in the rearview mirror.
How does the AFC West look heading into Week 2?
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
You come at the king; you best not miss.
The three-peat could be on the horizon. The Chiefs won a close game on opening night against a tough Baltimore Ravens squad. In this AFC title rematch, Patrick Mahomes didn’t have his best night, but it wasn’t necessary. Chris Jones and the defense made plays when necessary, and KC held on by a toe 27-20. The Chiefs already appear to be in near midseason form and will now face the injury-ridden Bengals in week two.
God help whoever sees this pissed off Ravens team next…
THEY PLAY WHO?!
Week 2 Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
2. Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
If only Jim Harbaugh could face Gardner Minshew every week.
The Chargers were far from impressive offensively in week one, but their defense imposed their will on the Raiders all afternoon. Week 2 will see Herbert and the Bolts take on the Panthers, which looks to be a glorified bye week on every team’s schedule. Look for LAC to continue the run with a rejuvenated J.K. Dobbins.
Week 2 Opponent: Carolina Panthers
3. Las Vegas Raiders (0-1)
Hey, at least Ace survived, right?
Even through all the offseason disrespect the Raiders received, few thought they would lose their Week 1 game against the Chargers.
However, to quote the great Vince Russo, you gotta swerve, bro.
With total offensive ineptitude, Vegas wasted a mostly stout defensive effort. Their 22-10 loss was filled with stalled drives and mind-numbing turnovers. The road ahead gets no easier for Minshew and company as they face a Ravens team that will look to run the ball down their throats. The Chargers achieved similar success in Week 1.
Week 2 Opponent: Baltimore Ravens
The bottom of the barrel in the AFC West?
4. Denver Broncos (0-1)
Welcome back, Sean Payton!
The Broncos played a slog of a game against the Seahawks and came up short in Week 1 26-20. While the defense didn’t look bad, the offense was difficult to watch. Bo Nix, a rookie starter who will turn 43 when this piece publishes, completed 26 passes for just 138 yards and two interceptions. Nix would also lead the team in rushing, which is because the running backs got little to no traction themselves.
This will only get tougher in week two as Denver welcomes TJ Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers to Mile High.
Week 2 Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
*Top Photo: Courtesy of NFL.com
Las Vegas Raiders Week 2 Predictions From Raider Ramble Staff