Week 17 AFC West predictions: Will backup QB Jarrett Stidham lead Broncos to victory?
In Week 17, the Broncos and Chargers face off in a key divisional matchup, the Chiefs try to get back in the groove and the Raiders' playoff push continues. Here are this week's predictions.
Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) at Denver Broncos (7-8): After losing two straight games, the Broncos' playoff chances have fizzled, dropping to six percent, per The New York Times simulator. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Denver will bench quarterback Russell Wilson and start Jarrett Stidham Sunday, signaling it plans to move on from the former Pro Bowler this offseason. In two starts with the Raiders last season, Stidham went 0-2, completing 64.4 percent of his passes for four TDs, three interceptions and an above-average 55.1 QBR.
Meanwhile, the Chargers have lost six of their last seven games and have been eliminated from postseason contention. Star wide receiver Keenan Allen — who has the second-most receptions in the NFL ( 108 in 13 games) — has missed two consecutive games with a heel injury and is listed as questionable, per ESPN.com.
Despite the QB change, expect Denver to end its skid against lousy Los Angeles. As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists the Broncos as a 4.5-point favorite.
PREDICTION: Broncos, 23-20
Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (9-6): Kansas City has lost two of its last three games and is 24th in the league in points per game (19.3) during this stretch. On a recent episode of his podcast "New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce," the Chiefs tight end acknowledged the offense "hasn't been a well-oiled machine like [it's] been in the past" and "everyone needs to get on the same page."
The Bengals' playoff hopes took a major hit in a 34-11 loss to the Steelers in Week 16, falling to 19 percent, per The New York Times simulator. The team website noted star WR Ja'Marr Chase remains questionable with a shoulder injury.
Although the Chiefs have lost three of their last four against the Bengals, give them an edge at home. As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists K.C. as a seven-point favorite.
PREDICTION: Chiefs, 26-23
Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) at Indianapolis Colts (8-7): The Raiders are 4-3 under interim HC Antonio Pierce, who could earn the full-time job if they keep rolling. "My résumé is on the grass," he told the media Tuesday.
The Colts are still in the playoff hunt, but this is a must-win game. The New York Times simulator notes Indianapolis' playoff chances will fall from 54 percent to 25 percent if it loses to Las Vegas.
As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists the Colts as a 3.5-point favorite, but don't be surprised if the Raiders pull off an upset. Per ESPN's Paul Gutierrez, Las Vegas ranks first in the NFL in scoring defense and has only allowed 15.3 points per game since Pierce assumed head-coaching duties.
PREDICTION: Raiders, 20-17
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