NFL AFC West Week 15 Preview
As the regular season starts to wind down, Week 15 of the 2010-11 NFL AFC West gives us a couple of interesting match ups. Among them is my pick for Game of the Week, Denver at Oakland. This long time rivalry always ignites emotions and with a Raiders team that is improving versus arguably the NFL’s most potent passing game, it could be a fight to the finish. Denver has struggled most of the season, while Oakland has been a bit of a surprise.
Before we jump into this week’s previews, let’s look at this week’s AFC West leaders.
San Diego’s Phillip Rivers still remains the division’s passing leader with 3,868 yards, while Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles leads all running backs with 1,177 rushing yards, and Denver’s Brandon Lloyd, with 1,185 yards receiving. Chiefs’ WR Dwayne Bowe leads the division with 14 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Broncos’ D.J. Williams has a division leading 104 total tackles, while the Chiefs’ Tambi Hali has eleven sacks, including one last week against San Diego. San Diego’s Antoine Cason has a division leading four interceptions.
Here I take a look at the matchups, giving you some early insight that will help make your 2010 NFL wagers winners.
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SUN, DEC 19 TIME (ET)
Denver at Oakland 4:15 PM CBS – Denver found out firsthand what the Raiders are capable of back in October, getting pummeled 59-14. While Oakland has not matched that kind of output since, their fans have had reason for hope. The defense has shut down opponent passers all season, and the ground attack is one of the best in the NFL. The defense did fall apart last week against Jacksonville en route to a 38-31 loss. They couldn’t stop Maurice Jones-Drew, who ran for 30 yards with 1:34 left on the clock to break the tie score. Not a big passing team, Campbell stepped up with 321 yards and two touchdowns. Six wins standing, Oakland would like to win the last few to even their record.
Meanwhile, Denver suffered through a 43-13 blowout against Arizona last week, as their bottom of the barrel defense continues its woes. Kicker Jay Feely even padded his season totals, matching a career high with five field goals, and setting a precedent by becoming only the fourth kicker in 40 years to run for a touchdown. Teams like Oakland run over Denver’s 31st ranked rush defense, and this week should be no different.
PREDICTION: Oakland Raiders
Kansas City at St. Louis 1:00 PM CBS – I’m not quite sure what happened in the San Diego Kansas City game, but it was ugly. The Chiefs were shut down 31-0 and San Diego kept hope alive for a playoff spot. Matt Cassel needed an appendectomy in the middle of the week and was forced to sit that one out. Backup Brodie Croyle must have been shocked at the opportunity to play, and looked overwhelmed passing for only 40 yards on 17 attempts. It was the first time the team has been shut out by the Chargers, and they totaled the second fewest yards in their history with only 67. It doesn’t look good for Cassel to play this week either, and with only a one game lead in the west, this is a bad time to get bit by the injury bug for the four time defending champions.
St. Louis lost its game as well, falling 31-14 against the Saints. New Orleans has been strong all year against the pass, and came up on top once again limiting Sam Bradford to 231 yards and picked him off twice. Meanwhile Drew Brees threw 3 touchdowns to lead the Saints in the victory. I’m sure the Chiefs will return to the basics, pounding the ground without a QB threat, but the Rams do a pretty good job of keeping those attacks in check. This one will be interesting.
PREDICTION: Kansas City Chiefs
San Francisco at San Diego 8:20 PM NFL – San Diego has turned it around in the second half of the season. After a 2-5 start, they are 5-1 since. Phillip Rivers has been a rock all season and should pass the 4,000-yard mark this week. The defense has steadily improved to become one of the best around, defending well against both the pass and the run. Despite the turn around the early hole they dug is a tough one to dig out of. Last week’s win against KC staved off elimination, and this one is a must win as well but the pendulum has swung in their favor. This team stands to be the storybook team of the year.
However, San Francisco would like to lay claim to that title as well. They started off 0-5 before racking off their first win against Oakland. Since that start they are 5-3 including a 40-21 win against Seattle last week. QB Alex Smith returned and threw three touchdowns, but despite his strong season, he isn’t Phil Rivers.
PREDICTION: San Diego Chargers
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