Week 15 AFC West predictions: Raiders snap three-game losing streak in a defensive slugfest

In Week 15, the Broncos hope to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Chiefs try to get back on track and the Raiders and Chargers clash in a divisional matchup. Here are this week's predictions.  

Denver Broncos (7-6) at Detroit Lions (9-4): On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, "[Sean Payton's] going to come here and try to embarrass us." Ironically, the Denver HC mentored Campbell. From 2016-20, he served as Saints tight ends coach and assistant HC while Payton was HC.

After a red-hot start, the Lions have cooled off, losing two of their last three games. The Broncos, meanwhile, have won six of their last seven. During this stretch, they've forced 18 takeaways, the most in the NFL.

However, Denver might struggle to keep up with Detroit's high-powered offense, which ranks seventh in the league in points scored (26.2) and passing yards (252.8). The Broncos are tied for 13th in points scored (22.1) and 27th in passing yards (185.8). 

Give the Lions a slight edge in this matchup. As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists Detroit as a four-point favorite.

PREDICTION: Lions, 31-24

Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) at New England Patriots (3-10): Will this be the last time Chiefs HC Andy Reid and Patriots HC Bill Belichick — both future Hall of Famers — face each other? Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston recently reported New England owner Robert Kraft plans to move on from Belichick at the end of the season.

On Wednesday, Belichick dodged questions about his future and said, "Getting ready for Kansas City, that's what I'm doing." 

Even though the Chiefs have lost three of their last four games, they will bounce back against New England, who ranks last in the league in points scored (13 PPG). ESPN Analytics gives Kansas City a 76.1 percent chance to win. 

PREDICTION: Chiefs, 26-16

Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-8): On Tuesday, Chargers starting QB Justin Herbert underwent season-ending surgery on his fractured right index finger. Backup Easton Stick — a former fifth-round pick out of FCS powerhouse North Dakota State — will replace him and make his first career start. 

In a Week 14 loss to the Broncos, Stick struggled when he filled in for Herbert, completing 13-of-24 passes for 179 yards, no TDs and a below-average 37.5 QBR.

The Raiders also have QB issues. In six games, rookie Aidan O'Connell has thrown more interceptions (seven) than TDs (four) and posted a below-average 31.1 QBR. The Athletic's Vic Tafur reported he will start against L.A. even though interim HC Antonio Pierce mulled a QB change following an embarrassing 3-0 loss against the Vikings.

Don't be surprised if this prime-time matchup on "Thursday Night Football" is a low-scoring slugfest. Despite the inept offense, the Raiders should snap their three-game losing streak. As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists them as a three-point favorite.

PREDICTION: Raiders, 17-14