NFL AFC West Week 11 Preview
Denver won its third game last week against Kansas City, 49-29, which was a surprise. The San Diego Chargers pulled a win against Houston last week, 29-23, while Oakland had the week off after beating Kansas City in Week 9, 23-20 in overtime.
Before we jump into this week’s previews, let’s look at this week’s AFC West leaders.
San Diego’s Phillip Rivers leads not only the AFC but also the NFL in passing yards with 2,944 and is first in the division with a 102.9 rating, while Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles leads running backs with 760 yards, and Denver’s WR Brandon Lloyd leads receivers with 968 yards receiving.
LB Tamba Hali from Kansas City leads the AFC in sacks with eight; Patrick Willis hold the lead in total tackles with 78 for San Francisco.
Here I take a look at the matchups, giving you some early insight that will help make your 2010 NFL wagers winners.
SUN, NOV 21 TIME (ET)
Arizona at Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS – Arizona dropped its fourth straight to the Seahawks last week, 36-18. They have scored 87 points in those losses, but allowed 113 as the defense continues to let them down. The defense ranks 27th in opponent passing yards and 28th in opponent rushing. The offense doesn’t do much to relieve the pressure as it ranks 30th in passing and 29th in rushing. That all adds up to a 3-6 record and 3rd in the NFC West. Derek Anderson has thrown for all of six touchdowns this year, while rushers Hightower and Wells have combined for barely 600 yards.
Meanwhile Kansas City looked like a dark horse contender until two straight losses to Oakland and Denver last week. Overall I think the team was a bit tired after playing an OT in week 8 against buffalo (which they won) then were forced to go to overtime again against Oakland. The Chiefs stand at 5-4 which is good for first, but it that record doesn’t have the luster it did. They still have issues on passing, ranking 26th; Matt Cassel has tossed 16 touchdowns. Their redeeming feature is the running backs who rank 1st in rushing led by Charles and Jones.
The Chiefs have a noticeably stronger defense than the Cardinals, especially against attempts on the ground. That should allow the Chiefs to get back on track and earn a sixth win.
PREDICTION: Kansas City
Oakland at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM CBS- The Raiders had week ten off after pulling an overtime win against Kansas City, their third straight. The Raiders have been playing 110 percent the last few weeks and have impressed everyone even if they will not admit it. The Raiders are 5-4, 1st in the AFC. They have three games left on the schedule against teams they have already beaten this year so there has to be a real sense of optimism in the clubhouse. Right now they rank 2nd in rushing (but 25th in passing) and 2nd in opposing passing yards (but 24th in opp. Rushing yards) so they are getting production on both sides of the ball even if it is one dimensional.
Pittsburgh has looked rather human as of late, especially after losing last week to New England 39-26. The one place they outplay the Raiders is on preventing the rush, where they rank first by limiting opponents to 63.2. That’s disastrous news for Raiders fans and their one-dimensional play.
The Raiders will finally hit a wall capable of stopping their run.
PREDICTION: Pittsburgh
MON, November 22
Denver at San Diego 4:15 PM ET FOX- The Broncos got their third win of the season last week against the superior Kansas City; they did it by a score of 49-29, which had everyone asking, “Where did that come from?” Denver can pass the ball and do it well, ranking 2nd in the league with nearly 300 a game, problem is they don’t do much else. That win ended a four game losing streak and included a loss to San Francisco. Last week’s win was a fluke and will change no one’s opinion, including San Diego’s.
The Chargers may only have one more win than the Broncos but are a vastly better team. They can pass the ball just as well- Phil Rivers is arguably the best QB in football right now, and they feature a strong defense that can neutralize Denver’s air attack.
Look for the Chargers to even their record and remind the Broncos that they are bottom feeders.
PREDICTION- San Diego
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