AFC West Week 3 predictions: Chiefs will dominate a historic matchup

In Week 3, the Chiefs have a historic game at home while the Raiders, Broncos and Chargers aim to rebound from losses. Here are Week 3 predictions:

Denver Broncos (0-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-0): After consecutive one-possession losses to Las Vegas and Washington, Denver is trying to avoid an early-season tailspin. The Dolphins have scored 60 points, tied for third in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Broncos have surrendered 52 points in two games, tied for eighth most in the league.  

To keep up with the high-powered Miami offense, the Broncos need QB Russell Wilson to start fast. Thus far, Wilson looks improved after a disastrous 2022 season, throwing for five TDs and posting an above-average QBR of 61.5 (11th in the NFL). Also, he is developing chemistry with rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., the team's leading receiver (122 yards).

If the rookie and Wilson connect on big plays early, the Broncos will build momentum, making them a challenge for Miami. However, expect the Dolphins to exploit the holes in the Denver defense, giving them the edge.

PREDICTION: Dolphins, 31-24

Chicago Bears (0-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-1): This game features a historic QB disparity. Per NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno, it's the first time since the 1970 merger that a QB with the highest winning percentage (Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes: 79.3 percent) and one with the lowest winning percentage (Bears' Justin Fields: 18.5 percent) have faced off.

Besides a huge edge at QB, Kansas City has a much better defense. The Chiefs have allowed only 30 points in two games, while Chicago has allowed 65. This one shouldn't be close.

Will a "robotic" Fields point the finger at the coaching staff again next week?

PREDICTION: Chiefs, 30-16

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-1): In his first two games with the Raiders, QB Jimmy Garoppolo completed 72 percent of his passes but has thrown the same number of TDs and interceptions (three). Consequently, the offense has sputtered, scoring 27 points in two games, tied for last in the league.

Pittsburgh holds the defensive upper hand, as it has nine sacks in two games, tied for third in the league. (Las Vegas has four.) The Matt Canada-coordinated offense, though, stinks (494 yards in two games, second worst in NFL).

"We have to get our mojo back," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said of the offense, per CBS Sports. "We have to get the mojo we played with in the preseason. We've lost that, to be blunt, in the last several weeks."

Nevertheless, Pittsburgh's ability to generate takeaways should help it prevail over Las Vegas. The Steelers scored 14 points off turnovers in a 26-22 victory over the Browns in Week 2. The Raiders, meanwhile, don't have any takeaways, a worrisome trend. Last season, Las Vegas forced a league-worst 13 turnovers, per StatMuse.

PREDICTION: Steelers, 20-17

Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2): The Chargers defense continues to underwhelm under head coach and former D-coordinator Brandon Staley, allowing a league-high 877 yards. If Los Angeles loses again, future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski expects Staley to be fired.

The Vikings offense is dynamic, with 743 yards in two games, eighth in the league. However, it has developed a case of "fumblitis" with six.

Per ESPN, the Chargers have a 53.2 percent chance to win. Expect Los Angeles to snag its first victory in a high-scoring contest.

PREDICTION: Chargers, 34-28