After a brief break in the Oakland Raiders season, the team is back from its bye week, and preparing for its showdown with the New England Patriots. The matchup will be the Silver and Black's second international game in as many years, and could feature an aerial duel between quarterback Derek Carr and Pats quarterback Tom Brady.
Before kickoff this Sunday, let's take a look at what's been going on in the AFC West.
Denver Broncos
Head Coach Vance Joseph appears to be all in on quarterback Brock Osweiler; regardless of the fact the team has yet to win with him running the offense, but the athletic quarterback will get another opportunity in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. In his past two starts, the 6'7", 240-pound signal-caller has totaled 429 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Since being removed from the starting role in Week 7, now-backup quarterback Trevor Siemian has yet to see the field. While the former Northwestern Wildcat was at the helm, the Broncos struggled offensively, and have been in a lull ever since their 42-point victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. What's more interesting though is the way the defense has been unable to perform at the level everyone has grown accustomed to seeing. In years past, the Broncos dominated on defense, and it's the primary reason they were able to walk away with a victory in Super Bowl 50.
After giving up 51 points to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9, and allowing 41 points to the New England Patriots in Week 10 on Sunday Night Football, the Broncos will need to regroup fast before they face off against the Bengals this Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs
Similar to the Raiders, the Chiefs are coming off of their bye week, and will get back to work this week. Prior to their bye, the Chiefs had dropped three of their last four games, and have slipped to a record of 6-3, after a 5-0 start. Now, of course every team in the NFL is to be respected – as Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio says frequently – but the Chiefs matchup with the New York Giants this Sunday is undoubtedly a game where they can get back on track. The Giants are currently 1-8, and just lost to the San Francisco 49ers, who were winless before the game. The Chiefs defense has struggled this season, allowing 390.3 yards per game, but fortunately won't have to face wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. – who was ruled out for the season back in Week 5 with a fractured ankle – who's been known to rack up yardage.
Los Angeles Chargers
Will Philip Rivers be the starting quarterback this Sunday? Only time will tell.
It was reported Monday that the 14-year veteran had been experiencing signs of a concussion, and it's up in the air whether he'll be game-ready this Sunday. Rivers' injury occurred this past Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and to make matters worse, the team went on to lose the matchup. If No. 17 were to miss the team's Week 11 bout against the Buffalo Bills, it appears as though backup quarterback Kellen Clemens would step in.
Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott announced earlier this week the team would be starting rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman, which could bode well for the Bolts defense, with Tyrod Taylor serving as the backup. It'll be interesting to see whether Rivers gets the go-ahead, but until further notice, his status lies in the balance.
