AFC West Week 11 Preview
A four-game winning streak has seen Denver extend its AFC West lead to two games, but as we know, in the NFL anything can happen from week to week and no one is out of the playoff race just yet (well…maybe except for the Chiefs). Let’s take a look at the three games involving teams from the AFC West today and see how things will shape up this week.
Can the Raiders handle the challenge this week?
New Orleans Saints 4-5 at Oakland Raiders 3-6
After starting 0-4, the Saints are on the brink of climbing to .500 for the first time this season as they visit the Oakland Raiders this week. It’s better late than never for the Saints, who are finally starting to see things come together, while the Raiders have struggled from inconsistency and a lack of a potent running game.
Although the Saints should find plenty of success scoring on a team that allows more than 30 points per game, the Raiders should also find plenty areas to attack against the Saints defense which is ranked 31st in pass defense and amazingly even worse against the run at 32nd.
Expect a high scoring game today between these two clubs, but look for the Saints to cover the -4.5 spread on the road and continue their winning ways.
San Diego Chargers 4-5 at Denver Broncos 6-3
Despite recent struggles, the Chargers have an opportunity to propel themselves to within a game back of the division lead with a win today over the Broncos. But to take advantage of that opportunity would mean shutting down the league’s most efficient passer, Peyton Manning.
The Broncos are riding high on a four-game win streak and are heavily favored at home against the Chargers. With the third best passing offense and a solid defense, Denver has seems to have the edge on both sides of the ball.
But don’t count out the historically unpredictable Chargers just yet. They currently have the second best run defense in the league an offense, that when clicking and avoiding turnovers, is still one of the best in the business.
I do like Denver today, but not by nine points. Look for San Diego to keep things close by covering the +9 spread in a loss in week 11.
Cincinnati Bengals 4-5 at Kansas City Chiefs 1-8Â
Look for KC to catch the Bengals off guard
Needless to say, it’s been a tough year for the Chiefs. At 1-8, this season has been an absolute disaster and the playoffs look out of reach, but they pride to play for this week as they hope to defend their home field against a young Bengals squad, who is coming off an impressive win over the Giants last week.
Surprisingly, the Chiefs actually match up quite well with the Bengals. The only things they do well, which are defend the pass (9th in the league) and run the ball (4th) match up to Cincy’s weaknesses. The Bengals are stronger throwing the football than running and have trouble defending the run, ranked 20th in the league in that category.
The spread accounts for this, though, giving the Bengals just a three-point edge. This one is a bit of a toss up, but I like the Chiefs today. Like the Chargers, the Bengals are another team who you never know what you’re going to get from and although the Chiefs have had a disappointing 2012, they can salvage it somewhat by having a strong second half. Go KC in this one to cover +3 and win outright.
