Around the AFC West: Chiefs hope to build on recent division wins
By Ellen Mathis
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos hosted the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Stadium at Mile High (I still can’t believe they changed the name to that). The Broncos made a big move in activating and starting rookie quarterback Drew Lock. Kansas Citians have likely seen a lot of Lock as he played for Mizzou. After suffering a thumb injury, Lock was placed on injured reserve at the beginning of the season, delaying his debut.
For Broncos fans, this debut had to be encouraging. After being forced to watch the medieval-style-torture play of Joe Flacco followed by the below average performances of Brandon Allen, I suspect that fans had no idea a ball could actually be thrown accurately and for long distances. Lock certainly impressed in the first half, tossing impressive touchdowns—one in particular to Courtland Sutton (who made an equally impressive catch). This meant that the rookie logged his first NFL win in his debut.
The Broncos took it down to the wire against their divisional rival. Handed the ball with mere seconds left on the clock, the Broncos heaved a ball down the sideline and drew a pass interference penalty that set them up in field goal range. The Broncos trotted out Brandon McManus who hit the game winning field goal. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome than to watch the Chargers invent a new way to lose. I just love this game.
Broncos right guard Ron Leary was lost to a concussion in the fourth quarter. Additionally, the Broncos have lost Derek Wolfe for the remainder of the season. As I said earlier, the contract year is undefeated, and Wolfe was playing well. I doubt he is a Bronco next year after his elbow heals. Finally, it is notable that Von Miller was inactive for the game as he nurses a sprained MCL.
Next week, the Broncos travel to Houston to take on the Texans. The Texans are in a hot battle to stay in first place in their division while the Broncos are bad. That’s about all there is to describe what will happen next week. The Texans need this win and are playing well. I don’t think the Broncos have any shot.
Opening line odds for the Broncos in Week 14: +9.0.
Game time is 12:00 p.m.