Around the AFC West: Broncos gain ground, Chiefs and Chargers drop

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 13: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes against Devin Bush #55 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 13: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes against Devin Bush #55 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
3 of 4
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 13: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos carriers the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 13, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 13: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos carriers the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 13, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are coming off a win against the Tennessee Titans. The Broncos shut out the Titans and forced Mike Vrabel to bench Marcus Mariota in favor of Ryan Tannehill. The story of this game is the emergence of the Broncos defense. They sacked Mariota seven times—yes you read that correctly—and logged three interceptions.

There were a lot of questions surrounding the Broncos defense after the first few games of the season when they got no pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but they appear to have stepped up in the absence of Bradley Chubb. The Broncos offense remains average, but Phillip Lindsay had a great day. The undrafted second year player continues to impress in the run game.

The Broncos also had one scary injury in the game. Emmanuel Sanders left the game with a knee injury. While it is not specifically for sure if he will suit up in Week 7, reports sound positive that he will make an appearance on Thursday Night Football.

The Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs in a game with huge AFC West implications. The Chiefs are coming off their second straight loss while the Broncos are coming off their second straight win. The Broncos are extra motivated to get a win against the Chiefs as it has been a long time since they beat the Chiefs (2015).

The Chiefs offensive line is hobbled. Against a defense that pitched a shutout and sacked the opposing quarterback seven times, this could be a long day for Patrick Mahomes, the NFL’s reigning MVP. The Chiefs historically are not great on short weeks and are limited with injuries, so I anticipate the Broncos head to another win in a game that is extremely close.

Opening line odds for the Broncos in Week 7: +4.0.

Game time is Thursday at 7:20 p.m.

Schedule