As preseason comes to a close, some position battles are heating up. Starters are getting more time on the field with each finalizing their rosters.
Here’s a look at how this weekend's matchups and latest from the AFC West.
Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears, Saturday 1PM EST
The Chiefs lost in the final quarter of their matchup last week as the rams came back to win 21-20. The starters did well, as Alex Smith threw for a touchdown early on.
KC is one of the front runners for this division, and while they have lost both their preseason matchups by one point, their starting players have done their job.
The biggest news for the Chiefs is Eric Berry’s return to practice. KC gave Berry the franchise tag, but after the two sides were unable to reach a long term agreement this offseason, he failed to report to camp and has yet to practice with his teammates; but this weekend he is expected to return to KC’s practice facility on Sunday.
Despite the fact he has yet to practice with the Chiefs this season, he should be just fine as he has been with this organization and is a much needed impact player for this defense.
Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders, Saturday 8PM EST
The Raiders had a disappointing performance last week as they fell to the Green Bay Packers 20-12.
Oakland’s defense came out flat as Eddie Lacy ran for 45 yards on nine carries and had one touchdown. Despite the fact that Aaron Rodgers did not play, the Raiders defense struggled against the Green Bay offense.
Offensively, the starters failed to reach the end zone for the second consecutive week, something they will look to do as they make their season debut in Oakland in front of their home crowd.
Head Coach Jack Del Rio has stated the starters will play the entire first half this Saturday and wants Jalen Richard and DeAndre Johnson to have time with the starting offensive line.
Considering Latavius Murray’s slow start this preseason, these two have added a spark and could earn some playing time throughout the season making the best of every opportunity given.
The Titans run game will be a test for the Raiders defense, especially after the way they performed last week. This new and improved defense has yet to fully show what a powerhouse they can be. While it is only preseason, certain issues need to be fixed before the games truly matter.
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos, Saturday 9PM EST
The Broncos quarterback situation becomes more intriguing by the day. This week Trevor Siemian gets the start, putting all the pressure on Mark Sanchez to come back and claim the starting gig.
Last week, the Broncos lost to the Niners 31-24. All three quarterbacks have been decent this preseason, making the battle an interesting decision for Coach Kubiak.
Against the Niners, Sanchez started and was 10/17 and threw for 120 yards with zero touchdowns and interceptions. Paxton Lynch was 15/26 with 113 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Siemian was 10/14, threw for 75 yards and had one interception.
Siemian has been Sanchez’s biggest threat all throughout training camp and thus far in the preseason earning him a starting spot this week. This is his opportunity to run away with a chance at being the number one quarterback for the Broncos come Week 1 of the real deal.
The Rams are 2-0 this preseason and will serve as a solid competitor for the Broncos this week.
Denver’s stellar defense is still in tact as all eyes, and concerns, are with this Denver offense. With only two preseason games remaining, time is winding down and so far no one has taken charge as a starting candidate.
San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday 1 PM EST
The Bolts are coming off a 19-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals as they try their best to put the drama with Joey Bosa aside.
The regular season is vastly approaching and the Chargers and their top draft pick have yet to reach an agreement. Every day it’s something new on social media regarding Bosa, especially with his mother getting involved.
Contract negotiations aside, the Chargers have performed well in the preseason, but some starters haven’t gotten much playing time.
Quarterback Philip Rivers sat out during last week’s matchup after the team felt he had done enough work during their joint practices.
Right Guard D.J. Fluker likely won’t play this weekend after injuring his foot, however his status for Week 1 looks promising.
The Vikings defense will look to attack this offense and put pressure on Rivers. This offensive line has struggled the past few seasons and injuries to the O-line have been the achilles heel.