Around the AFC West: Players getting healthy at just the right time
Dec 15, 2022, 5:27 AM
The Denver Broncos have 10 losses after falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14. The rest of the division is much stronger than Denver, but at least the Broncos were able to show some life against the Chiefs on offense. For the rest of the year, while the AFC West teams not named Broncos are positioning for a potential playoff run, the Broncos will just be hoping to build off the momentum they built in a loss to the Chiefs.
This week, the Broncos get what looks like a “gimme” game against the Arizona Cardinals. Like the Broncos, the Cardinals are not a good football team, and some have called them the most checked out team in the league. A win against the Cardinals will not change the fortunes for the Broncos, but it would be nice to get back in the “W” column after losing five games in a row.
Let’s take a spin around the AFC West to see what the competition is up to.
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Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were able to beat the Broncos last week, in a matchup between one of the best teams in the NFL and one of the worst. This week, things get even easier for them as they face the Houston Texans. While the Broncos have three wins, the Texans are the worst team in the NFL with just one win this season. The Chiefs should roll the Texans on Sunday.
They have an array of weapons on offense, and they may be adding a couple of more playmakers to the mix from the ranks of their injured players. First, WR Kadarius Toney is close to returning from the hamstring injury that has limited him to three games after the Chiefs traded for him with the New York Giants. Second, Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman (abdomen) was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, Dec. 14, opening his 21-day window to be activated. Getting Toney out there will be a bonus for the team, as he hasn’t yet found a big role with his new team. Getting Hardman back will be significant. Hardman caught 10 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the two games before his injury.
Finally, reports indicate the Chiefs are still in contact with free agent WR Odell Beckham Jr. No meeting has yet been scheduled, but it shows the Chiefs will be interested if they feel Beckham can put their team over the top. Beckham, along with Von Miller, were key additions for the Rams last year late in the regular season before they made their championship run. After a knee injury suffered in the Super Bowl, there is doubt that Beckham can play this year. However, there is an outside chance he’d be ready to play if a team was deep in the playoffs. That sounds like someplace Kansas City will be.
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Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are going to Raider, and that’s what happened last week on “Thursday Night Football” when they lost on a last second touchdown from Los Angeles Rams new quarterback Baker Mayfield. After being with the Rams for just a couple of days, Mayfield was able to battle against the Raiders and hit WR Van Jefferson to win the game with seconds remaining.
There are some bright spots this week for the Raiders. Yes, they were embarrassed against the Rams last week, but they have a chance this week against the New England Patriots. The Raiders offense is a high-powered unit, but the Patriots defense is disciplined. We’ll see how Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels does against the team he was offensive coordinator for two stints (2006-08 and 2012-21). They also have bright spots with players coming back from Injured Reserve soon.
Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow (oblique) was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, Dec. 14, opening his 21-day window to be activated. Like Renfrow, TE Darren Waller (hamstring) was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday, as well. This week, Renfrow may not yet be back for the Raiders. However, Waller has told reporters that he expects to be back in Week 15. That means Waller may be officially activated in the next couple of days. When healthy, Waller is one of the most dangerous tight ends in the league.
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Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have a good team, and they could be great with proper coaching and a winning mindset. With four games remaining in the 2022 season, the Chargers have four winnable games. This month of potential “W’s” starts with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. After that, the Chargers can win against the Indianapolis Colts, Rams, and Broncos to finish out their season. They have a 7-6 record, and the playoffs are very much within reach.
Head coach Brandon Staley is on the hot seat. The Chargers have most all they need to win a Super Bowl, yet most think things will fall apart for them at some point – largely because of Staley’s coaching. If he does not get this team to the playoffs, or if they have an early exit, then perhaps the Chargers could move on – especially with Sean Payton likely returning to the coaching ranks in 2023.
Chargers WR Mike Williams returned to the field last week in the win over the Miami Dolphins, and it didn’t take long for his presence to be felt. Wiliams is a star in this league when healthy, but he does have a problem staying healthy. He’s been dealing with a high-ankle sprain since Week 7, and Williams was finally able to play a full game in Week 14. Against the Dolphins, Williams posted six catches for 116 yards and one touchdown. If the Chargers want to make a run at the playoffs, then having a healthy Williams will boost their chances.
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