The regular season is getting closer and closer as Week three of preseason approaches. Last week’s matchups featured some good tests for the AFC West teams, and this week will be no different. Here’s a look at how these teams matchup for their third preseason game.
Oakland Raiders @ Green Bay Packers, Friday 8PM ET
After a come from behind victory led by third string quarterback Matt McGloin the silver and black will travel to Lambeau Field to take on a tough Packers team.
Last week’s 27-26 win showed a lot of improvement by the Raiders following a Week 1 loss. Matt Schaub looked sharper finishing the night 8-13 with 87 yards while leading his new offense to a touchdown to end his debut at the Coliseum in a Raiders uniform.
They continued to show struggles in the secondary, Tarell Brown in particular as Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate took advantage.
Overall, the Raiders showed improvement after another week of practice together as they get set for the regular season.
Looking ahead to their game with the Packers, the Raiders defensive unit will have their hands full with Aaron Rodgers and company. Khalil Mack has looked good, but hasn’t done anything overly impressive yet; maybe this is the week he has an explosive game.
It will be a homecoming of sorts for Charles Woodson and James Jones who will return to Green Bay where they both won a Super Bowl Championship in 2011.
Oakland suffered injuries that will sideline players this Friday night. Derek Carr suffered a concussion and bruised ribs, and although he was back at practice on Monday it’s unknown whether he will play this week. A big concern for the Raiders is Marcel Reece who suffered a foot injury that has led to a walking boot, however he was back at practice Tuesday. With such injuries, it will be interesting to see how long Schaub and McGloin play this week.
Minnesota Vikings @ Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday 8PM ET
The Chiefs lost their Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers 28-16. Quarterback Alex Smith, finished the game going 14-22 with 127 yards. The offense was able to move the ball without Jamaal Charles, but had to settle for two field goals.
2014 draftee Aaron Murray’s first completion resulted in a 43-yard touchdown, but later in the game threw an interception that resulted in a Panthers touchdown.
KC continues to seek another reliable receiver beside Dwayne Bowe, who will miss the first regular season game due to suspension. In the two preseason games played so far, no other receivers have stood out.
Junior Hemingway left last week’s game with a strained hip flexor and is being re-evaluated.
The Chiefs offense has shown some struggles this preseason, but regression was expected after losing several players this offseason. In the last two weeks of preseason play, the wide receiver competition will intrigue and have to be resolved before Week 1.
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos, Saturday 9PM ET
The Broncos continued their dominating ways as they shutout the San Francisco 49ers 34-0 last Sunday afternoon. Peyton Manning was 12-14 for 102 yards and a touchdown as he and the Broncos spoiled Levi’s Stadium’s debut.
Demaryius Thomas had three receptions on Denver’s opening drive alone as he is one of Manning’s favorite offensive weapons.
Denver also had a big game defensively as the Niners committed four turnovers. They also came up big with a goal line stand to end the game.
They suffered some injury during their win as linebacker Lamin Barrow left with a lower leg injury, and tight end Gerell Robinson left with a knee injury. Kayvon Webster was sidelined after spraining his ankle during Saturday’s practice.
It’s only preseason, but this week’s game will be an easy one for the Broncos.
They have played two of the best NFC teams in the Niners and Seahawks; winning both games. While it may only be preseason, the Broncos are a dynamic team and look ready to dominate the AFC this year.
San Diego Chargers @ San Francisco 49ers, Sunday 4PM ET
The Chargers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 41-14 last week.
Philip Rivers was only in the game for one series with Kellen Clemens taking over. The Chargers quarterback was 2-4 with 20 yards on that drive.
San Diego struggled against Seattle’s tough defense only managing 42 yards against the Seahawks starters, with 37 yards coming from Rivers’ drive.
The Chargers defense has been a concern this preseason. Jason Verrett has yet to play this preseason, there is concern with Dwight Freeney, and safety Jahleel Addae left last week’s game with a hamstring injury. Not to mention Manti Te'o, Sean Lissemore, and Lawrence Guy are not expected to play in Sunday’s game. Corey Liuget has also been dealing with an ankle injury.
With so many injuries, some rookies are getting playing time, however they have shown struggles with stopping the run. They will face a Niner team that has only scored three points all preseason.
Offensively, Clemens has impressed and secured the back-up quarterback position while getting snaps with the starting offense as Rivers has only played a few series in both preseason games.