The Chiefs most important games not on K.C.’s schedule
By Byron Smith
Week 10: Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders
Almost every game that the Chiefs’ divisional opponents play could make this list, but for the sake of variety, the list was limited to only one pairing of AFC West rivals.
The Denver Broncos are the team in the West with the most overall potential besides the Chiefs. Quarterback Drew Lock showed real promise in the latter parts of the 2019 season, and with the pieces they added in the draft (e.g. Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler), the Broncos may be a real competitor for a playoff berth. The defense has slowly lost the ferocity and reputation that it had not that long ago, but they still have Bradley Chubb and Von Miller, and the additions on offense make this a team to watch.
The Oakland Raiders will continue to be plagued by who they have running the team at both coach and quarterback. Jon Gruden has shown that he is not willing to change with the game of football, and it has not served the Raiders well thus far. Quarterbacks Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota are both mediocre at best and will hold the rest of the Raiders’ skill position players back, especially new speedster Henry Ruggs III.
This matchup may not have the biggest effect on the Chiefs 2020 season, but it could have impact the future of the AFC West. Does Drew Lock have what it takes, or was it a lack of tape and good matchups that gave him success in 2019? Who do the Raiders want to be in the near future? This will be a telling year for the West.