AFC West Odds to Consider

AFC West Best Bets Week 13

Broncos-Bengals Point Spread

Don’t look now, but the Denver Broncos are suddenly a hot team. They are actually just one game out of the AFC playoff race at 5-6.

Denver has become relevant the past two weeks with victories over the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. They both had long winning streaks going into the Denver game. Perhaps Denver has gotten seasoned by playing one of the NFL’s toughest schedules thus far. It eases up considerably starting this week with a road game at Cincinnati.

A month ago, I couldn’t see the Broncos being a 3.5-point road favorite, nonetheless, liking that bet. The Broncos have played well, and they just beat two good teams. But this game also has a special circumstance.

Bengals’ quarterback is out for the season with a thumb injury. Jeff Driskel is expected to make his first NFL start. He’s thrown just 36 passes in the NFL. He was 17 of 29 for 155 yards Sunday in a loss to Cleveland after Dalton got hurt.

The Broncos’ defense is no longer elite, but it has gotten better as this season has gone on and the unit makes big plays. I’d go with Denver -3.5 points with 888Sport.

Chiefs-Raiders Point Spread

The Chiefs will head to December with the best record in the AFC at 9-2. They also may get star safety Eric Berry back soon. He has been out all season with a heel injury, but he practiced Wednesday for the first time since August. It may be a stretch for Berry to be ready this week. But the Chiefs should have him for the stretch run and postseason.

At 14.5, this is a rare line, but both teams have shown reasons why this is much a huge spread in favor of the visiting Chiefs. Kansas City is a runaway train. Oakland struggles to score points and it is a sieve on defense. The Chiefs are the biggest road favorite in the NFL in 11 years.

Remember, Oakland has lost six straight games by, at least, 14 points. The Chiefs get stronger as the game goes on and Oakland wilts. This isn’t Josh Rosen that Oakland is facing. It won’t have an answer for Patrick Mahomes and company.

By the way, look at this stat from the Associated Press: Oakland has allowed league-high 428 yards receiving to tight ends in the past five games. Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce leads all NFL tight ends with 914 yards receiving this season. Go with Kansas City at -14.5 points with SugarHouse.

Raiders-Chiefs Over/Under Total

NFL betting was a little less exciting in Week 12 without the Chiefs. Kansas City had its bye, after its epic, 54-51, defeat to the Rams in Week 11. It was the highest scoring game in the history of Monday Night Football.

While the rest of the AFC West is in the playoff mix, Oakland’s only intrigue is whether it will get the No. 1 pick. The Raiders are 2-9 and are tied for the worst record in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and the Cardinals. The Raiders’ last six losses have all been by, at least, 14 points. Check out latest Chiefs vs Raiders betting odds.

I’m always big on the Chiefs and the over. This one seems too easy at 55.5 points. Unless there are several injuries and several fluky turnovers, the Chiefs are going to score a ton of points. They have scored, at least, 30 points in nine of their 11 games. The fewest Kansas City has scored this season in 26. Oakland has allowed, at least, 30 points in five games.

The Raiders struggle in every area on defense. It routinely gives up big plays. Also, rookie defensive tackle Maurice Hurst missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury. He is one of Oakland’s most effective defenders. They will be no match for this Kansas City offense. Go with the over with 888Sport.

Chargers-Steelers Point Spread

The Chargers got back on the winning track Sunday with a blowout win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals after blowing the Denver game, snapping a five-game win streak.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was unreal against the Cardinals. He solidified this MVP push by completing 28 of 29 passes against the Cardinals. That’s just silly. However, the injury bug hit the Chargers with standout running back Melvin Gordon doing down with a knee injury. He may be out for several weeks.

This is my toughest decision of the week in the AFC West. I honestly think the Steelers will win by three points. The spread is Pittsburgh -3.5. So, I’m going with the Chargers.

I think there are enough reasons to think the Chargers will keep it close in Pittsburgh in this prime-time game than the Steelers blowing out the Chargers. The Chargers are keeping most games close. They will miss Gordon, but Rivers has enough talent and the Chargers are used to adjusting to injury.

Go with San Diego +3.5 with SugarHouse.