AFC West Week 5 predictions: Broncos fall in highly anticipated grudge match

New York Jets (1-3) at Denver Broncos (1-3): In this long-awaited matchup, Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett returns to Denver, where he flopped as Broncos head coach last season. Sean Payton, his replacement, blasted him in the offseason, saying his one season with the Broncos was "one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history." Now, Denver media are ripping Payton for an awful start.

"Let's not sugarcoat it. The Broncos remain a team in crisis," wrote Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post. "If he can't beat one of the worst coaches in NFL history, what does that make Payton?"

Third-year Jets QB Zach Wilson apparently regained confidence after completing 28-of-39 passes for 245 yards and two TDs in a 23-20 loss in Week 4 to the Chiefs. Expect him to exploit a defense that has allowed the most points (150) and yards (1,846) in the league.

ESPN Analytics gives New York a 54.6 percent chance to win. If correct, Denver is in for more embarrassment.

PREDICTION: Jets, 27-24

Kansas City Chiefs (3-1) at Minnesota Vikings (1-3): When will mayors learn to stop calling out the Kansas City Chiefs? Cincinnati mayor Aftab Purveal knows how poorly that has worked out. Nonetheless, the Minneapolis mayor weighed in on Sunday's game and Taylor Swift, whom Chiefs TE Travic Kelce may be dating.  

"If Taylor Swift comes back to Minneapolis [sometimes known as Swiftieapolis] this weekend, we'll be ready for it," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently told TMZ Sports. "It's possible she will have to console [Chiefs tight end] Travis Kelce after the Vikings beat the Chiefs, but there are plenty of great spots across town for them to go on a date and lift their spirits."

Minnesota has a dynamic offense with a big star (WR Justin Jefferson), but it leads the league in turnovers (11). Expect the Chiefs' improved defense, which has forced five turnovers, to take advantage.

PREDICTION: Chiefs, 28-23

Green Bay Packers (2-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-3): Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams faces his former team for the first time. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has deep respect for the six-time Pro Bowler, and said stopping him Monday night will be a focal point.

"I love Davante," LaFleur said Tuesday on "The Rich Eisen Show." "It's hard when you see a guy of that caliber go to another team. I'm always rooting for him, and he knows that. Except for when we have to play him."

Adams — traded by the Packers in 2022 — is eighth in the NFL in receiving yards (397) and should have a great game. The Raiders' problems, however, will prevent him from lifting them to victory. 

Starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo remains in concussion protocol, and the defense has only forced one turnover, second to last in the league. The Raiders haven't defeated the Packers since 1987, per StatMuse.

PREDICTION: Packers, 27-21