AFC West Watch – Week 1

Week 1 is in the books, so it’s time to take a look around the AFC West and tally up how everyone did this weekend.

AFC WEST STANDINGS
1. Denver Broncos (1-0-0)
1. San Diego Chargers (1-0-0)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1-0)
3. Oakland Raiders (0-1-0)

Much like many expect this division to play out, the Broncos and Chargers are tied for first, and the Chiefs and Raiders are fighting for third. Time to break down each game, starting with our upcoming opponent the Oakland Raiders.

Raiders 21, Lions 36

The Raiders lost their home opener after blowing a one point lead to Jon Kitna, Tatum Bell (after whom they affectionately named their fumble recovery drill), and Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions. The Lions were up big early in the game, but the Raiders crept back to earn a one-point lead in the second half. Despite having better offensive yardage totals and having a much larger time of possession, the Raiders couldn’t get it done, and the Lions took control in the second half of the fourth quarter to win by 15.

Josh McCown did okay, but not great, and now that the Raiders have finally come to terms with #1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, it won’t be long before he’s driving their offense.

UP NEXT – @ Denver Broncos

Chiefs 3, Texans 20

Mario who? That’s what the Kansas City Chiefs have been asking themselves after they got dominated in Houston over the weekend. Williams finished with a fumble recovery for a touchdown on top of his two sacks. Matt Schaub looked sharp if not spectacular, and it was the Houston defense forcing five turnovers that really set the tone of this game. And get a load of this – the Texans are on a 3-game winning streak for the first time in team history!

The Chiefs, meanwhile, are reeling. There’s really no other way to put it. Damon Huard was Mr. Reliable last year, finishing with 11 touchdowns and 1 interception while filling in for Trent Green. Sunday, he had no touchdowns and 2 interceptions while passing for 168 yards. Larry Johnson had 10 carries for 43 yards and no touchdowns (not exactly helping my fantasy team), and once Eddie Kennison went down early in the game, there was really no weapon to threaten the Texans. Dwayne Bowe looked barely so-so… I just think the Chiefs are going to find out that they’re one of the worst teams in the league, and they’ll be finding it out soon.

UP NEXT – @ Chicago Bears

Chargers 14, Bears 3

The Bears were up 3-0 at halftime, but the Chargers finally broke their stifling defense in the second half through the legs (and arm) of reigning MVP Ladainian Tomlinson. But mostly the arm – LT ran for a whopping 25 yards for the day, carrying the ball 17 times. His longest run was a 10-yarder – take that one away and LT ran 16 times for 15 yards. His biggest play was the 17 yard throw to Antonio Gates for a touchdown.

What does this tell me? The Chargers can be beat.

Philip Rivers threw for 190 yards, no touchdowns and a pick, but the Chargers defense didn’t let the offense ruin it for them. Holding the Bears to 202 yards and 3 points is no easy task, especially when you consider at this time last year the Bears had the best defense AND offense in the league. But Rex Grossman seemed to be playing for the wrong team at times, as is his M.O., and the Bears are crying for Thomas Jones right now after the woeful performance of Cedric Benson. Both teams played poorly, and the game was a bore to watch – but in the end, the Chargers got the win, and that’s all that matters.

UP NEXT – @ New England