The release of the NFL schedule is an exciting time for any football fan. Schedules are cleared for some of the biggest matchups and prime time games. For the AFC West teams, the schedule brings some tough road trips and exciting rematches. Here’s a glimpse at 10 must see AFC West games this season.
10. Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots
You never really get tired of this Peyton Manning Tom Brady rivalry. Two of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game gunning it out on the same field? What’s not to love?
The two will duel for the 15th time in their careers on November 2nd.
9. San Francisco 49ers @ Oakland Raiders
The good ole Battle of the Bay returns to Oakland as the rivals go head to head on December 7th. The Niners have had the upper hand the last few times they’ve played Oakland, but the Raiders will rise to the challenge and take on their cross-bay nemesis on their home turf.
8. San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos
Who doesn’t love a division matchup on Thursday Night Football? Last year both teams made the playoffs and advanced past the first round.
This year the Chargers will look to be more than just a Wild Card team, while the Broncos look to continue their AFC success. They’ll be able to show they mean business on the national stage on October 23rd.
7. Arizona Cardinals @ Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will welcome Carson Palmer and Jared Veldheer back to the Coliseum on October 19th. Raider Nation has some interesting opinions when it comes to Palmer, #PalmersFault, and there was some drama when Veldheer decided to sign with Arizona this offseason. Needless to say it should be an interesting welcome back for these two.
6. Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
The AFC West was a hard fought division last year, with these two battling all season for the title. Despite a fast start by the Chiefs, the Broncos were victorious. This year, Kansas City looks to take down the Broncos and reclaim the division they won just three seasons ago. And they’ll do it on Sunday Night Football November 30th.
5. Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders
It’s a very reunion-based season for the silver and black this year. They face their former quarterback, and for their home opener on September 14th, their new QB, Matt Schaub, will take on the team that traded him.
Not only will Schaub look to get some revenge, but long time Raiders punter, and one of the best ever, Shane Lechler, will be back at the Coliseum for the first time since signing with Houston as a free agent.
Emotions will run high and it should be an interesting game to see.
4. New England Patriots @ Kansas City Chiefs
When you play good football, you get rewarded with quite a few prime time games. The Chiefs have a few on their schedule and this September 29th matchup will be featured on Monday Night Football.
3. Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers
Last season Alex Smith faced his former team in Kansas City, this time around he’ll lead the Chiefs to San Francisco, or rather Levi Stadium, to take on the team that let him go for Colin Kaepernick.
Last year, Smith didn’t have much success against the Niners as the Chiefs were defeated 15-13. This year he’ll look to get some revenge against his former team on their home turf.
2. Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos
The Broncos will open the season on September 7th as Manning takes on his former team on Sunday Night Football. Last year Manning returned to Indy and received a warm welcome from Colts fans; this time he’ll host Andrew Luck and a very good Colts team.
This will be a fun matchup to open the season.
1. Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks
The top AFC West game this season has to be a rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII. The Broncos were disappointing to say the least, as they lost the big game to the Seahawks 43-8.
On September 21st, the Broncos will seek revenge as they take on the reigning champs. Hopefully this time, it will be a little more entertaining.