Let’s take a look at AFC matchups in Week 9 of the season.
Playoffs aren’t exactly close, but it’s important to start looking at other games around the NFL, specifically those that could impact the Chargers’ season.
Let’s see what we got going on:
Ravens (4-4) @ Titans (4-3): The Ravens are one of the most inconsistent teams in the league. They are also one of most injury-riddled teams in the league. The Titans have more promise, but Marcus Mariota has yet to put them over the top. The Titans are currently tied for first place in the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, the Ravens are in second place in the AFC North, trailing a 6-2 Steelers team. A loss for either of these teams is a win for the Chargers.
Broncos (3-4) @ Eagles (7-1): The Broncos, who are trending downward in a big way, are facing the Eagles, who are arguably the league’s best team. Brock Osweiler replaces Trevor Siemian at quarterback. Osweiler’s going to have a lot of fun going up against one of the best defensive lines in football. #FlyEaglesFly
Bengals (3-4) @ Jaguars (4-3): I’m not a believer in Andy Dalton. I’m also not a believer in Blake Bortles. What I do believe in is the Jaguars’ defense. Remember when I said Philly had one of the best defensive lines in football? Well, the Jags do, too. Oh yeah, and they have one of the best corners in Jalen Ramsey. Jacksonville is currently the No. 6 seed in the AFC. Cincinnati, who isn’t as much of a threat, is the team to root for. The Chargers face the Jaguars next week.
Colts (2-6) @ Texans (3-4): Poor Deshaun Watson (I really loved watching him play). Watson, who tore his ACL in practice, is out for the year, which really hurts the Texans’ chances going forward. The Jacoby Brissett-led Colts aren’t a good team. The Texans winning isn’t a huge deal, but a Colts’ win would be nice.
Chiefs (6-2) @ Cowboys (4-3): Game of the Week? If the Chargers want a shot at winning the division, they need the Chiefs to lose. Ezekiel Elliott is playing (surprise?) after initially being suspended for the 100th time this season. Let’s go Cowboys!
Raiders (3-5) @ Dolphins (4-3): I still can’t believe the Chargers lost to the Dolphins. Miami, who is the No. 7 seed as of right now, got shut out 40-0 by the Ravens last week, and they just traded away their best player (Jay Ajayi). The Raiders are currently in last place in the AFC West. They have the same record as the Chargers, but the Chargers beat the Raiders in Week 6, thus giving giving them the tiebreaker. I hate to say it, but Chargers fans should root for the Raiders this week. BUT if they lose, it isn’t a bad thing because it’s another AFC team losing.