Yardbarker
x
Highlighting AFC West blockbuster games of 2024 season
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Highlighting AFC West blockbuster games of 2024 season

The NFL released its complete schedule for the 2024 season on Wednesday. Here is the blockbuster game (and another intriguing matchup) for every team in the AFC West division:

Denver Broncos | Complete schedule

BLOCKBUSTER | vs. Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 15: In this matchup, quarterback Russell Wilson returns to Denver following his messy divorce with the Broncos. Last season, head coach Sean Payton benched Wilson in Week 17 to provide "a spark" for their offense, but it appeared to be a financial move. The club released Wilson in March, incurring an NFL-record $85M cap hit over the next two seasons.  
Surely, the former Pro Bowler will want to prove Payton and company wrong. However, expect Denver fans to give Wilson a hard time. After the Broncos dealt two first-rounders (and more) for the former Seattle Seahawks star in 2022, he fell far from expectations, posting an 11-19 record in two seasons with the team. 

ALSO INTRIGUING | At New Orleans, Thursday, Oct. 17: In Week 7, Payton returns to New Orleans, where he served as Saints HC from 2006-21. Arguably the best coach in franchise history, he won Super Bowl XLIV and seven NFC South titles in 15 seasons with the Saints.
Despite his success with the organization, Saints fans may not give him a warm welcome. Payton left the team after the 2021 season and New Orleans traded him to Denver in 2023, where he failed to make the playoffs in his first season.

Kansas City Chiefs | Complete schedule

BLOCKBUSTER | At San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 20: The Chiefs' biggest game comes in Week 7 when they face the 49ers in a Super LVIII rematch. Will they produce another instant classic? In February's big game, Kansas City wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. caught the winning TD with three seconds left in overtime, securing a 25-22 victory

History suggests the Chiefs will beat the Niners again. Per CBS Sports, the team that won the prior season's Super Bowl is 6-3 in regular-season rematches.   

ALSO INTRIGUING | vs. Baltimore, Thursday, Sept. 5: In another rematch, the Chiefs face the Ravens in the NFL's annual Kickoff Game. Last season. K.C. beat Baltimore 17-10 in the AFC title game.
Tensions from a pregame incident between Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce may resurface. On his X account, longtime NFL reporter James Palmer noted this event "lit a fire" in Kansas City before the conference championship game. 

Las Vegas Raiders | Complete schedule

BLOCKBUSTER | vs. Kansas City, Sunday, Oct. 27: The last time these teams faced off, the Raiders stunned the Chiefs on Christmas day, helping HC Antonio Pierce earn the full-time job. Kansas City HC Andy Reid admitted the loss sparked the Chiefs' Super Bowl run and sent Pierce a congratulatory text following the defeat.  

Earlier this offseason, Pierce said the Raiders would implement "the Mahomes Rules," comparing them to the ones the Detroit Pistons used against Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan in the late 1980s. This matchup will determine whether they will actually stop the two-time MVP. 

ALSO INTRIGUING | At New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 29: In Week 17, Saints QB Derek Carr will face his former team for the first time. The 33-year-old made four Pro Bowls and two playoff appearances in nine seasons with the Raiders, who released him after the 2022 season.
In a recent Instagram story, Carr said he "can't wait" to play Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. Although Crosby may have a deep respect for his former teammate, don't expect him to go easy on him, especially if Vegas' playoff hopes are still alive.

Los Angeles Chargers | Complete schedule

BLOCKBUSTER | vs. Baltimore, Monday, Nov. 25: New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh will face his younger brother, Baltimore Ravens HC John, in Week 12. The siblings squared off in Super Bowl XLVII, where the 49ers lost to the Ravens 34-31.

Beating John in a prime-time game would help Harbaugh settle this score. A victory would also prove the Chargers are ready to vault to the next level and become a legitimate AFC contender.

ALSO INTRIGUING | vs. Las Vegas, Sunday, Sept. 8: In Week 15 last season, the Chargers set a franchise record for points allowed in an embarrassing 63-21 loss to the Raiders. In turn, L.A. fired Brandon Staley and replaced him with Harbaugh. 

A win against Las Vegas would help the Chargers get some revenge and help Harbaugh get off to a fast start. Los Angeles must build momentum early to regain its confidence after it went 5-12 last season.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.