In the AFC West, three teams’ schedules are incredibly tough over the next eight weeks.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs’ upcoming slate of games is much easier.
That means if the Denver Broncos aren’t careful, they could be looking at a multiple game deficit soon.
AFC West: Chargers, Raiders, Broncos schedules tough the next 8 games
The Las Vegas Raiders lead the AFC West. Just like we all expected through two weeks.
But in all seriousness, the Raiders are off to a surprisingly hot start with Klint Kubiak as their new head coach.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are in hell right now. Not only are they 0-2, but as I discussed with Nate Lundy last night, the Chargers could go 1-8 over the course of their next nine games.
Their schedule is the toughest in the NFL, but the Raiders and Broncos aren’t far behind.
Many folks made a lot about the Broncos gauntlet of six crazy-tough games to start the season, and rightfully so. But now as we look from weeks 3-10, Denver’s schedule is still the fourth-toughest of all NFL teams.
That, per DAVE by FTN Fantasy.
DAVE is DVOA + Preseason predictions, which gives the Chargers the toughest schedule over the next eight weeks of anyone in the NFL. The Raiders are third, the Broncos are fourth.
It's about to get really tough for the Chargers ⚡| @aaronschatz.com
Here’s a quick look at the Chargers, Raiders, Broncos, and Chiefs schedules:
Chargers
- @ BUF
- @ SEA
- DEN
- @ KC
- @ LAR
- HOU
- @ BAL
- NYJ
Raiders
- @ NO
- KC
- @ NE
- BUF
- LAR
- @ NYJ
- @ SF
- SEA
Broncos
- LAR
- @ SF
- @ LAC
- SEA
- @ ARI
- KC
- @ CAR
- LV
Chiefs
- @ MIA
- @ LV
- LAC
- @ SEA
- @ DEN
- NYJ
- @ ATL
- ARI
According to FTN Fantasy, while the Chargers, Raiders and Broncos are in the top-4 of toughest schedules over this stretch, the Chiefs are set to play a bottom-third schedule.
That adds up to trouble for the rest of the AFC West.
Kansas City could build a lead in the division
The Broncos could be staring at 1-2 after the Sunday Night Football matchup against the LA Rams this week.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have a chance to move to 3-0 as they face the Miami Dolphins, who are arguably the worst team in the NFL right now. Look ahead a little further and Kansas City could be 5-1 or even 6-0 in a few weeks, while it would be a win for the Broncos to go 3-3.
If that played out, it would give Kansas City a 3-game lead by the time we hit Nov. 1, which is when the Chiefs come to the Mile High City to face the Broncos.
Considering the Broncos already lost to the Chiefs in K.C.—in embarrassing fashion—that will be a must-win for Denver.
Of course, this eight-week stretch is only about half of the regular season.
Kansas City’s schedule gets considerably tougher later in the year. They go to Buffalo, the LA Rams and Cincinnati in a row before hosting the Patriots just after Christmas.
On the flip side, Denver’s schedule gets a lot easier after Week 10.
They play the Raiders, at Pittsburgh, home for the Dolphins, at the Jets and at the Raiders in a 5-game stretch. All while KC goes through their gauntlet.
Simply, the Broncos have to survive right now and then it lightens up before another tough 3-game set to end the year. If they do, and even if the Chiefs gain a big lead in the division, there’s hope the Broncos can come back.
Much like they do in many individual games.