Tag: AFC West

Broncos QB Bo Nix frustrated after going 0-2 against Chargers

“That’s the frustrating part is the difference, the margin of error, is one touchdown,” Broncos QB Bo Nix said of two 2024 losses to L.A.

Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert got the best of Sean Payton and Bo Nix in 2024.

The Los Angeles Chargers went 2-0 against the Denver Broncos this season. After beating the Broncos 23-16 on the road earlier this year, the Chargers beat them 34-27 at home on Thursday night.

After his second loss to L.A., Denver rookie quarterback Bo Nix said he was “frustrated” in his postgame press conference.

“The difference in our two games with them has been seven points,” Nix said. “Just got to find a way to get the ball in the endzone one more time. That’s the frustrating part is the difference, the margin of error, is one touchdown. I mean, we should be able to find a way to get one touchdown.

“Fortunately we got another part of the season. You’ve got to go out there and do it again. I mean we kind of found ways to almost beat ourselves tonight. We just had many opportunities and just didn’t capitalize.”

The Broncos now have two games remaining to attempt to make the 2024 NFL playoffs. Denver can clinch a spot in the postseason with one more win.

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Playoffs will wait: Broncos fall to 9-6 following 34-27 loss to Chargers

The Broncos fell to the Chargers 34-27 on Thursday, delaying Denver’s bid to make the 2024 NFL playoffs.

The Denver Broncos (9-6) lost to the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) 34-27 on Thursday Night Football in Week 16, delaying the team’s bid to clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs.

Denver can still clinch a playoff berth in Week 16 if the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins all lose or tie on Sunday.

After the defense forced a three-and-out on L.A.’s opening drive, the Broncos’ offense marched 72 yards — with 43 yards on the ground — before taking a 7-0 lead after Audric Estime scored his first touchdown in the NFL.

The Chargers later matched that score with a one-yard touchdown run from Gus Edwards to tie the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter. Denver then went 70 yards on 12 plays and retook a 14-7 lead after quarterback Bo Nix connected with fullback Michael Burton on a one-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

L.A. kicked a field goal on its next drive to make it 14-10, marking four-straight drives with a score. Following a 54-yard catch-and-run by Marvin Mims on Denver’s next possession, Nix threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele to extend the lead to 21-10.

L.A. appeared to be on the verge of scoring just before halftime before rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine intercepted a Justin Herbert pass at the one-yard line. That prevented a touchdown, but after the Broncos committed a foul on their ensuing punt, the Chargers converted a 57-yard fair catch free kick to make it 21-13 going into halftime. It marked the first time since 1976 that such a kick was attempted in an NFL game:

The Broncos opened the third quarter with a 41-yard Wil Lutz field goal to extend the lead to 24-13. L.A. then went 70 yards on 10 plays and scored on a five-yard Edwards touchdown run. The drive was extended by a 15-yard foul after linebacker Justin Strnad hit a sliding Herbert on third down. Following the Edwards score, the Chargers failed a two-point attempt, making it 24-19.

L.A. took the lead in the fourth quarter when Herbert threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Derius Davis. After a successful two-point conversion, the Chargers made it 27-24. They later extended that lead to 34-24 following Herbert’s 34-yard touchdown pass to Hassan Haskins.

Denver converted a 55-yard Lutz field goal on its next drive to cut the deficit to 34-27. After a failed onside kick, L.A. ran out the clock to seal the game.

After playing on TNF, the Broncos now have nine days until their next game, a Saturday afternoon special against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17.

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2 AFC West teams flexed to lead off Week 17 Saturday triple header

Week 17 flex games are now set with the Chargers vs Patriots, Broncos vs Bengals and Cardinals vs Rams on Saturday December 28.

No division in football is more talented this season than the AFC West. With the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs joined in the playoff hunt by the resurgent Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) and Denver Broncos (8-5).

With the latter two looking like they will make some noise in the playoffs, they have both had their Week 17 matchups flexed to Saturday, December 28 as part of the NFL triple header.

The Chargers and Patriots (3-11) lead things off at 10am Pacific (1pm ET). Followed by the Broncos and Bengals (6-8) at 1pm (4pm ET), and finally with the Cardinals and Rams in LA at 5pm (8pm ET).

The Chiefs (13-1) will play on Christmas Day (again). They are in Pittsburgh to face off against the Steelers (10-4). While the Raiders (2-12) will be in New Orleans to take on the Derek-Carr-less Saints (5-9) as part of the regular Sunday slate.

Clinching a Steelers playoff berth: Three Week 15 AFC scenarios

Steelers have multiple scenarios in Week 15 that could secure them a playoff spot, with a chance to clinch a spot among the AFC elites.

A moment of joy for Steelers fans! Not only is the beloved Black and Gold of the Steel City riding high after improving to 10-3 with a victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, but playoff implications from Week 15’s AFC matchups could spell success for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Mike Tomlin-led Steelers have not one, not two, but three different playoff berths the team could clinch.

If the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers both lose in Week 15, a Steelers win would guarantee that Pittsburgh has a top-five seed in the AFC playoff race.

If the Steelers manage to win, and only one of these AFC West teams win, Pittsburgh will guarantee at least a top-six seed in the playoffs.

Where things get interesting, however, is if the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins lose, followed by a Pittsburgh Week 15 victory. The Steelers will clinch at least the seventh seed in the playoff race.

With many opportunities to clinch a playoff berth in Week 15, can the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to make 2024 the year when their playoff victory drought finally ends?

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Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt comments on the latest AFC West division title: ‘Never take them for granted’

Kansas City #Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt comments on the latest AFC West division title: ‘Never take them for granted’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt spoke to reporters on Sunday night about the team’s thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which clinched a ninth consecutive AFC West division title.

“You certainly never take them for granted; I do think in a lot of ways when you do something for the first time, it’s more special, and that was not the first time we’d ever won the division,” said Hunt. “But when we started this streak of nine, I think we were all really excited. We didn’t know what was ahead of us.”

The nine consecutive AFC West division titles are the second-longest such streak since 1970, trailing only the 2009-19 New England Patriots and their eleven AFC East division titles.

“It’s been a very special time period for the Kansas City Chiefs – an amazing era of Chiefs football. The credit for that goes to Andy (Reid), Brett (Veach), and their staff,” said Hunt. “They’ve just done a phenomenal job. I ought to mention the injuries this year. We certainly have had a lot of injuries, particularly at the receiver position, and Brett and his team have done a fantastic job every week (of) finding a solution, finding somebody who can come in and help us.”

Veach’s notable acquisitions include running back Samaje Perine, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and left tackle D.J. Humphries, each of whom played significant roles in Sunday night’s victory. The Chiefs are now turning their attention to winning the top spot in the AFC and earning a first-round bye.

Chiefs stars arrive at Arrowhead Stadium in style for ‘Sunday Night Football’

See what all of the #Chiefs stars wore to Arrowhead Stadium ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the #Chargers on ‘Sunday Night Football’

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football in Week 14, and with the eyes of the nation upon them, the defending Super Bowl champions were dressed for success as they entered the locker room at Arrowhead Stadium before the primetime divisional showdown.

The Chiefs’ star duo of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce wore their Sunday best for the occasion and showed off their signature style as they walked past cameras before kickoff.

Mahomes wore a khaki number with a long white undershirt and a stylish pair of Oakley sunglasses.

Kelce wore an oversized v-neck sweater, cargo pants, and sported his iconic perfectly coiffed hair.

Here’s what the rest of the reigning Super Bowl champions wore ahead of their matchup against the Chargers:

Patrick Mahomes

Travis Kelce

DeAndre Hopkins

Jaden Hicks and Drue Tranquill

Andy Reid

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Nikko Remigio

Chiefs can make history with win over Chargers in Week 14

The Kansas City #Chiefs can make history with a win over the Los Angeles #Chargers on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 14.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have a chance to make history against the Los Angeles Chargers on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 14 after clinching a spot in the AFC playoffs with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

With a win over the Chargers, Kansas City can earn its ninth consecutive AFC West title, which would mark the second-longest such streak in NFL history, according to expert analyst Trey Wingo.

Though the Chiefs’ 11-1 record is the best in the AFC, Kansas City has struggled to decisively win games in recent weeks, and Los Angeles will not be an easy opponent to defeat in primetime.

Fans can look forward to an action-packed game on Sunday night and should expect the Chargers to pull no punches as they look to hand the Chiefs their second loss of the season at Arrowhead Stadium.

Stay tuned to see if Kansas City will make history, or if the Chiefs will have to wait a few more weeks to clinch another AFC West title.

Daniel Jones makes decision on next team after spurning Broncos’ rival

Daniel Jones won’t land in the AFC West. He has opted to join the Vikings after turning down interest from the Raiders.

Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports first reported Wednesday.

Jones received offers from multiple teams after being cut by the Giants and he spurned interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Schultz.

The Raiders were seeking more help at quarterback after losing Gardner Minshew to a season-ending shoulder injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 12.

Jones will now serve as a backup behind Sam Darnold in Minnesota. He will initially join the practice squad but is expected to be activated to the active roster after getting up to speed.

Darnold is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025 so it wouldn’t be surprising if Jones is a candidate to re-sign in the spring to serve as the Vikings’ veteran backup behind J.J. McCarthy next season.

McCarthy is sitting out his rookie season with a knee injury, but he is expected to be fully recovered in time for the 2025 campaign.

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Sean Payton ‘getting to appreciate’ Broncos-Raiders rivalry

“It’s a storied franchise, just like we are,” Sean Payton said. “That is what makes this division unique. I’m getting to appreciate that.” 

Before Sean Payton arrived, the Denver Broncos had an eight-game losing streak to the Las Vegas Raiders, which was snapped earlier this year when the Broncos beat the Raiders 34-18 at home in Week 5.

After that, Denver still had an eight-game road losing streak against their division rival (four losses in Las Vegas and four losses in Oakland). The Broncos snapped that streak on Sunday with a 29-19 win in Las Vegas.

Denver flipped from always losing to the Raiders to having swept them in 2024, which likely explains in part why Payton was so fired up after the game.

“Listen, when you go someplace and people talk about in a while they haven’t done — even though a lot of these players weren’t here — you exorcize these demons,” Payton said. “Hadn’t beaten the Raiders in how long? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. We beat them twice this year. We’re focused on the next game. Obviously the division games matter.

“Listen, the appreciation for beating the Raiders. Listen, at a young age, I was fortunate to interview with Al Davis three weekends for the head coaching job. Bought a black suit and a silver tie. But if Jerry Jones is the last person you see, you’re probably staying. I ended up staying [with the Dallas Cowboys] in 2003. Paul Kelley, who was with us, picked me up at the airport in Oakland. It’s a storied franchise, just like we are. That is what makes this division unique. I’m getting to appreciate that.” 

Denver is now 2-2 in the AFC West, with both of the team’s division wins coming against Las Vegas.

“It’s huge,” quarterback Bo Nix said of sweeping the Raiders. “It’s what your goal is going into the season. They’re a good football team. We played ’em two tough games. We got two good wins out of it. I know after last year, it was the opposite.

“It was good for us to find a way to win this game, find a way to go in a hostile road environment against a divisional team. They’re fighting every week. They’re a good football team. It was a good win for us. Happy for the guys.”

The Broncos have five games remaining this season, including division games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. The upcoming stretch of games will determine Denver’s playoff fate.

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Broncos vs. Raiders: 5 things to watch for in Week 12

The Broncos will go on the road to face the Raiders in Week 12. Here are five things to watch for on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos (6-5) will go on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines to watch for leading up to the AFC West showdown.

1. Denver’s running back rotation: It appeared that Audric Estime might be taking over as the new RB1, but Javonte Williams quickly put that notion to rest by leading the backfield in touches last week. So, what will the backfield rotation look like going forward? It’s tough to predict — especially if the Broncos ride the hot hand — but it seems that Williams is still the lead back with Jaleel McLaughlin and Estime rotating in behind him.

2. Brock Bowers vs. Broncos’ defense: When Denver played the Raiders in Week 5, rookie tight end Brock Bowers totaled eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Bowers has been a bright spot for a struggling Las Vegas squad in recent weeks, and he will be a tough test for the Broncos’ secondary. “You can see how they made it a point of emphasis to give him the ball in any spot and any position,” cornerback Pat Surtain said. “They even have him at ‘X’ [receiver] backside and at his tight end spot at the ‘Z.’ He is playing all positions, and they are utilizing him very well. It will be a good challenge for us.”

3. Maxx Crosby vs. Denver’s offensive line: The Broncos beat the Raiders 34-18 earlier this season, but Bowers and defensive lineman Maxx Crosby were both problems for Denver. Crosby ended the day with two sacks and he now has 15.5 sacks in 11 career games against the Broncos. “It’s important [to know where he is at],” quarterback Bo Nix said. “He’s a really good player. He played well last time we played him even though he was a little banged up. I’m sure he’s going to be fresh and ready to go this game. One thing about him is his motor never stops. He’s a hard-working player. He plays every snap really hard, and he tries to get in everyone’s head. That’s just the type of style he is and the player he is. He’s really good. One of the best in the league.”

4. Broncos QB Bo Nix chasing history: Denver’s quarterback has been setting multiple franchise rookie records this fall and he needs just one touchdown on Sunday to break the team’s rookie passing record of 14 (he’s currently tied with Marlin Briscoe). Going up against a Las Vegas defense that allows 327.8 yards and 28.5 points per game, Bo Nix might be poised to have another big performance in Week 12.

5. Denver’s seeking first-ever win in Las Vegas: Since moving to the desert in 2020, the Raiders are 4-0 against the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. “I’m excited to go [there for] a road divisional game,” Nix said. “They’re always a lot of fun. I know it’s an important game. It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere. It’s going to be a fun game. They’re going to have a good team. They’re going to be ready to go. Playing them again, I think it’s going to be a good game. I’m excited for the opportunity we have. Any divisional games are always important.”

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox (view the TV map). The Broncos are considered the favorite despite playing on the road.

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