Strap in, friends, I’m here to predict the improbable and ridiculous on purpose. Bold Predictions: AFC West Edition. If you’re looking for peer-supported certainty, this ain’t it. These are swing-for-it outcomes born from malts & hops and poor life choices. I do look at the schedule and matchup data, if that makes you more comfy. But this goodness comes mostly from the knowledge that the NFL does what it wants – expectations be damned.
Great moments are born from great opportunities. Week 8, on a platter.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) takes the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The defense outscores Washington’s offense under the Arrowhead lights.
Why it will happen: Spagnuolo’s disguise-and-robber menu generates a short-field score, and special teams piles on with a return or blocked kick to tilt the math. In a prime-time script, Kansas City can dictate pace and force Washington into predictable down-and-distance, which is when the ball finds the end zone for the D/ST.
Why it won’t happen: Washington leans on tempo and quick game, starving Kansas City of takeaway chances. If the Chiefs’ offense controls the night, the defense may not get the volume or field-position gifts to win the scoring race.
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200+ rushing yards and three ground TDs power a prime-time romp.
Why it will happen: Washington spreads out to handle the perimeter speed, and Kansas City punishes light boxes with double teams and duo all night. Isiah Pacheco plus QB keepers and a red-zone jumbo package turn long drives into body blows at the goal line.
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Why it won’t happen: If Washington wins first down and crowds the interior with run blitzes, the Chiefs will default back to crossers and verticals. A couple of early holds or negative runs can switch the Chiefs back into pass-heavy mode and cap the rushing total.
Denver Broncos
Bo Nix
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) after playing against the New York Jets during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bo Nix becomes Denver’s leading rusher and passer: 100 on the ground, two passing TDs in a win over Dallas.
Why it will happen: Denver layers designed keepers and sprint-outs to punish man looks, then cashes red-zone throws off the same action. Altitude and extended drives wear down the edges, opening scramble lanes that turn third downs into chunk gains.
Why it won’t happen: Dallas sets hard edges and forces hand-offs to the backs, keeping the Nix out of harm’s way. Pre-snap penalties and long yardage neutralize the keeper menu and push Denver into obvious drop-back pockets.
The defense stacks 6+ sacks and holds Dallas under 17 points.
Why it will happen: Denver’s rush plan uses creepers and late movement to force Dak into hitch steps, and altitude amplifies tired tackles in the fourth quarter. A lead lets the Broncos play coverage behind simulated pressure and hunt strip sacks.
Why it won’t happen: If Dallas lands an early counterpunch and leans into tempo, Denver loses disguise and becomes predictable. Slants and screens can make the pass rush a step late all afternoon.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey facing the Denver Broncos
Dec 19, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) runs the ball against the Denver Broncos during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Ladd McConkey steals TNF with 150+ scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.
Why it will happen: Minnesota’s pressure looks to invite quick-hitting option routes and jet motion, and Herbert’s rhythm throws let McConkey stack YAC without needing seven-step pockets. Indoors on TNF, scripted touches and a designer shot play can put him on center stage early.
Why it won’t happen: If the Vikings sit back in two-high and rally to tackle, the underneath explosives dry up and targets consolidate elsewhere. A second-half game state that leans run can cap the volume before he reaches the threshold.
Derwin James Jr. pulls a defensive hat trick on TNF (a sack, a forced fumble, and an interception).
Why it will happen: The Chargers can spin the picture after the snap and send James on timed pressures from the slot, stressing Minnesota’s protection rules and creating a free runner. With a disguised zone behind it, one rushed throw turns into a jump-ball pick, and a well-placed punch on a scramble gives him the strip.
Why it won’t happen: If the Vikings live in the quick and max protect on long downs, James doesn’t get the runway to finish splash plays. A neutral script with clean pockets turns his night into tackles and pass breakups instead of takeover moments.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) evades a tackle from Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) evades a tackle from Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium – Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Jeanty or Bust.
Why it will happen: During the Week 8 bye, they rebuild the openers around Jeanty – under-center gap runs, swing/arrow screens, and motion that forces lighter boxes. With safeties flying downhill in Week 9, play-action boots and glance routes finally hit on schedule, and the pass game breathes.
Why it won’t happen: If the Week 9 game state turns negative early, the Jeanty plan gets shelved for hurry-up throws and checkdowns. Jacksonville can also load the box and dare the quarterback to win outside the numbers, shrinking the touch ceiling and the play-action payoff.
Bowers Back, Geno Back.
Why it will happen: The bye buys Bowers the recovery/ramp he needed, and his seam/over routes pull safeties out of the box, creating easy throws and play-action explosives. With Jeanty stressing the flats and Bowers commanding attention down the hash, Geno gets clean windows and the confidence to push it.
Why it won’t happen: If Bowers is on a pitch count or still lacking burst, Jacksonville can bracket him and force tight, low-percentage sideline shots. An early deficit can also tilt the game into predictable dropbacks, turning Geno’s night into interceptions and regret instead of haymakers.
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