Around the AFC West, Week 10: Are the L.A. Chargers legitimate contenders?

Let’s take another look around the AFC West heading into Week 10 and answer a question we are all wondering: are the Los Angeles Chargers contenders?

Welcome back to another edition of Around the AFC West. Week 9 is officially in the books, and what a week it was! The only undefeated team, the Los Angeles Rams, was handed their first loss of the season at the hands of the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees. Tom Brady proved once again why he is considered the GOAT with a victory over Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

All of these games are important looking ahead at the playoffs, but before we get there, let’s take a look at what happened in the AFC West and what that all means going forward.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos took on the Houston Texans on Sunday and lost their 6th game of the season. This was the homecoming game for ex-Bronco Demaryius Thomas as he played his first game as a Houston Texan.

For the Broncos, this game featured everything you don’t want to see: missed field goals, poor game management, turnovers. Brandon McManus missed what would have been the game winning field goal wide right. However, this came after head coach Vance Joseph made some questionable play calls throughout the game. Immediately before the half, with 23 seconds remaining, Joseph chose to have McManus attempt a 62-yard field goal. He missed wide right, leaving 18 seconds on the clock. This allowed Deshaun Watson to complete two passes and set up a 46-yard field goal.

At the end of the game, rather than actually attempting to get a closer field goal, Joseph opted for conservative play calls (where have we seen that before, Chiefs fans?) that left them with a 51-yard field goal. McManus missed that one as well. This ended the game 19-17 and further solidified the idea that Joseph’s head coach tenure is in trouble.

The Broncos also lost center Matt Paradis in the game. Case Keenum rolled up on him just before halftime breaking his right fibula. This is unfortunate given the already struggling offensive line of the Broncos and the fact that it looked likely Paradis was going to get a contract extension.

Next week, the Broncos have a much-needed bye. Who knows what it will take to right the ship, but the Broncos organization certainly needs to do something. The season is slipping away and with three divisional games still to play as well as a game against the Steelers, if they don’t figure it out fast, the season is completely lost. The Broncos take on the Chargers following their bye week.