Here's a look around the AFC West as we approach Week 8 of the NFL regular season:
Denver Broncos (5-2)
Week 8 Power Ranking:No. 5
Week 8 Opponent:The Broncos host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. CT
The Broncos defeated the Houston Texans, 27-9, on Monday Night Football this past week to improve to 5-2. They now turn their attention to the division-rival San Diego Chargers. The Broncos last played the Chargers two weeks ago on Thursday Night Football in a game that resulted in a 21-13 loss.
Some relevant links:
- Via ESPN, Gary Kubiak's return was much bigger than Brock Osweiler's
- Aqib Talib gave Kubiak the Monday night game ball
- Broncos trade for Patriots tight end A.J. Derby in exchange for a draft pick in 2017.
- Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware is expected to return to the practice field this week.
San Diego Chargers (3-4)
Week 8 Power Ranking:No. 17
Week 8 Opponent:The Chargers visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. CT
The Chargers found a way to do what the Chiefs did to them Week 1 on Sunday—rally back from a large deficit for a victory. Trailing by 17, the Chargers came all the way back to defeat the Atlanta Falcons, 33-30, in overtime. Once 1-4, the Chargers look to make it three wins in a row against the Broncos this week.
Some relevant links:
- Via the San Diego Union-Tribune, rookie Joey Bosa looks like San Diego’s brightest star
- Defensive tackle Caraun Reid has been placed on the Injured Reserve list after injuring his ACL against Atlanta
- Jatavis Brown honored his father Sunday mere hours after he passed
- Via ESPN, a take on the workload of running back Melvin Gordon
Oakland Raiders (5-2)
Week 8 Power Ranking:No. 11
Week 8 Opponent:The Raiders visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 12:00 p.m. CT
Coming off their 26-10 loss against the Chiefs, the Raiders travelled down to Jacksonville to defeat the Jaguars, 33-16. RB Latavius Murray returned to the lineup and ran 18 times for 59 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Some relevant links:
- Via the San Francisco Chronicle, defensive end Khalil Mack is happy with Oakland’s defensive play
- Via ESPN, head coach Jack Del Rio says you can’t fake confidence, but rather you earn it
- Via Good Morning Football: the Raiders are legit
- Charles Woodson will join Tony Gonzalez as a “Legends Captain” in the upcoming Pro Bowl
