AFC West Report: Chiefs Tumble while the Chargers Rise
By Ellen Mathis
![Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts to a call against the Buffalo Bills. during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts to a call against the Buffalo Bills. during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1cceda0df32b51970c9cef9ff7c9b641459417bbd70e060693a29f24263cab9e.jpg)
Denver Broncos
The Broncos took on the Steelers in Week 5 and it showed just how bad the Broncos are this year. They started off supposedly “hot” because they got to challenge three of the worst teams in the NFL, but that grace period is gone – not that the Steelers are good. But, they are better than the Broncos. Even with Ben Roethlisberger’s noodle arm, the Steelers were able to best the Broncos.
There was question as to whether we would see Teddy Bridgewater following a massive hit that knocked him into concussion protocol in Week 4, but he cleared and led the team to a 27-19 loss. Bridgewater did have a nice touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton showing why he remains the best receiver on the team:
WHAT A CATCH, @SuttonCourtland‼️
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 10, 2021
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/e53UnaOt30
The Broncos are what we thought they were – a team with some talent that will still be below .500 when the season ends.
Outside of their disappointing showing, the Broncos are flying under the AFC West news radar. I deem them the least exciting team of the week. The notable movement is only the following:
Broncos signed veteran free-agent wide receiver John Brown to their practice squad and released wide receiver Josh Malone.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 12, 2021
The Broncos only injury following the game was to cornerback Mike Ford which is good because they already have a number of injuries plaguing their team. My fantasy team is still waiting on the return of Jerry Jeudy…come dude. Heal!
Next week, the Broncos face a Raiders team in chaos. Who even knows what to expect out of this game? I kind of believe it is either going to be a close win for the Broncos (given the disparate levels of talent) or the Raiders are going to blow them out of the water as a statement to the league. Either way, I’m not sure this is a game I need to watch. Maybe RedZone will get my viewership this week…