AFC West Week 7 predictions: Chiefs have edge over 'badly coached' Chargers

The Denver Broncos aim to stop their downward spiral, the Las Vegas Raiders seek a third straight win and the Los Angeles Chargers aim to rebound against the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are Week 7 predictions in the AFC West:

Green Bay Packers (2-3) at Denver Broncos (1-5): On Monday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the team's focus is on the remaining games, not the Oct. 31 trade deadline. He's probably bluffing. 

The Athletic's Jeff Howe and Mike Jones reported the team is in "sell mode," which should have players on edge.

Inconsistent Packers quarterback Jordan Love has thrown eight TDs, six interceptions and posted a below-average 43.3 QBR. Expect him to get back on track against a defense that is last in the NFL in points allowed per game (33.3).

PREDICTION: Packers, 24-17

Los Angeles Chargers (2-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-1): The Chargers have lost seven games by three points or less since 2022. Some pin the team's inability to win close games on head coach Brandon Staley.

"How that guy is still the coach there, I have no idea," ESPN's Mike Greenberg said Tuesday on his podcast. "They're in every game because they are talented, but they're badly coached. And they always find a way to lose."

Don't be surprised if Los Angeles loses another tight contest to Kansas City. Per Pete Grathoff of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs have won three straight games against the Chargers by 12 points combined. ESPN Analytics gives them a 68.5 percent chance to win Sunday. If correct, Staley's seat will get even hotter.

PREDICTION: Chiefs, 27-24 

Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) at Chicago Bears (1-5): Bears QB Justin Fields is doubtful against the Raiders with a dislocated right thumb, per HC Matt Eberflus. Las Vegas QB Jimmy Garoppolo (back) might not play either, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

If Garoppolo can't play, the Raiders will turn to rookie Aidan O'Connell or journeyman Brian Hoyer. O'Connell started in a Week 4 loss against the Chargers, completing 24-of-38 passes for 239 yards. Hoyer filled in for Jimmy G. in a Week 6 win against the Patriots, completing 6-of-10 passes for 102 yards. Each is serviceable and won't implode against a Bears defense tied for 29th in the NFL in points allowed per game (29.3).

Undrafted Bears rookie QB Tyson Bagent — who played at Division II Shepherd University in West Virginia — is expected to get his first start Sunday. Expect Chicago's 26th-ranked passing game (188.3 YPG) to struggle against a Raiders defense that features DE Maxx Crosby, who's on a tear. The two-time Pro Bowler is tied for seventh in the league in sacks (5.5) and is fourth in tackles for loss (eight).

PREDICTION: Raiders, 20-16