The final week of the NFL regular season is here. There are several games with playoff implications, including both AFC West matchups. This week is crucial for both the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos.
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 1:05p.m. EST
This is a huge game for both teams. While the Chiefs are not out of the playoff hunt, they need some help this weekend to make the postseason. KC is coming off a 20-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game in which Alex Smith threw for a season-high 311 yards, but was sacked six times by the Steelers defense. The Chiefs have lost four of their last five, and need to beat a good Chargers team seeking the playoffs in order to have any chance at reaching postseason play.
The Chiefs will have to not only beat the Chargers, but receive help from the Cleveland Browns, as they need the Browns to beat the Baltimore Ravens, and they will need the Jacksonville Jaguars to beat the Houston Texans. These three things must happen for the Chiefs to clinch a playoff berth. Now, if these three scenarios don’t play out, the Chiefs could play spoiler, ruining the Chargers season with a win.
San Diego is coming off a thrilling 38-35 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. In a game where the Chargers were trailing, they were able to complete the comeback behind their quarterback Philip Rivers paving the way. A 40-yard field goal gave the Chargers the win in overtime as they are now one step closer to playoff football.
Rivers, and the Chargers, have had an up and down season, but seem to always show up big time when it matters most. In order for the Chargers to clinch a playoff berth this weekend, all they have to do is beat the Chiefs; easier said than done.
Arrowhead is never an easy place to play, and with both teams needing this win, a hard fought game between two division rivals can be expected.
Final Prediction
Chargers 27 Chiefs 17
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, Sunday 4:25p.m. EST
This is an important game for the Broncos, the Raiders not so much. Although the Raiders are coming off an impressive 26-24 win over the Buffalo Bills, they are 3-12 on the year. They’ve shown progression and have found a rhythm at home, but on the road they have greatly struggled. Derek Carr and Khalil Mack have had phenomenal rookie seasons and the Raiders will look to build for the future, but this week’s game in Denver against the Broncos will be a tough one.
The Broncos are coming off a 37-28 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and need a win this weekend to secure a first round bye in the playoffs. Peyton Manning had an off game with four interceptions in the Broncos meltdown against Cincy.
Now the Broncos are practically desperate for this first round bye after suffering several injuries including a thigh injury that limited Manning last week. The future Hall of Famer and company could use a week off heading into the playoffs and will look to dominate the Raiders in order to do so.
Final Prediction
Raiders 17 Broncos 31