Given the Chiefs ability to sit back and watch a weekend of NFL action, here are some key storylines to follow in Week 1.
The National Football League is getting ready to kick off its first full weekend of action as the vast majority of teams play out their first games in Week 1. For the Kansas City Chiefs, however, this weekend is a time to kick back and relax for a few extra days after having defeated the Houston Texans at home on Thursday Night Football.
While the Chiefs did have to prepare to play a bit before everyone else, they’re now enjoying the ability to soak in football just like the rest of us.
Since there’s no official Chiefs action to watch on a Sunday and Monday filled with NFL action, we thought we’d identify a few key storylines to make today more entertaining for K.C. fans. Keep an eye on these aspects of Week 1 as football gets underway.
How good are the Colts?
In years past, the Indianapolis Colts have been a primary contender for the AFC title alongside the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and others. Then after Andrew Luck walked away a year ago, the Colts lost their ability to keep up with the proverbial Joneses. The Texans have won the AFC South in consecutive seasons, but this year’s roster has enough holes that a better team could come along and replace them atop the standings.
Enter the Colts who decided to take a chance on a veteran quarterback to take them to the next level. Philip Rivers hasn’t played for a team other than the San Diego-turned-Los Angeles Chargers since 50 Cent released Get Rich or Die Tryin’. After six failed postseason runs with the Bolts, Rivers now hopes a fortified front line in Indy will give him a chance to boost his Hall credentials.
The Colts start with an easy target in the Jacksonville Jaguars. A hot start for Rivers will get fans excited about the potential ahead.
Chargers, Raiders need opening wins
Speaking of the Chargers, both L.A. and the Las Vegas Raiders are going to feel quite sour after a single week of the season if they can’t get past their initial opponents.
For the Chargers, they go on the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who owned the first pick in the draft. Joe Burrow is going to be anxious to prove his mettle at the professional level, but the Bengals still have needs at every level of the defense (along with other problem areas). If the Chargers can’t even get past the Bengals in Week 1, it’s going to be a long season for Anthony Lynn.
As for the Raiders, they face perhaps the most talent-deficient team in the NFL in the Carolina Panthers. While the Raiders themselves aren’t exactly loaded with proven impact, if Jon Gruden’s team can’t beat Teddy Bridgewater in his new digs, they might as well pack it up for 2020.
Broncos’ legitimacy is tested early
The Denver Broncos enjoyed a successful offseason by most accounts, with moves for A.J. Bouye and Jurrell Casey on defense and a draft class loaded with offensive potential (headed by Jerry Jeudy). How that will play out on the field, however, is anyone’s guess?
How will Drew Lock look in his second year? How will the defense withstand the loss of Von Miller for the year? Is Vic Fangio a competent head coach? Is the addition of Pat Shurmur going to make a major difference?
The Broncos face the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 in a Monday night showdown featuring two AFC franchises hoping to upset the Chiefs. The winner will earn some serious confidence toward that very goal.