After a Thanksgiving Day heavy on NFC action, this weekend’s slate of games will focus more on the AFC, including a Sunday night showdown between the Broncos and Chiefs that could go a long way toward determining the winner of the West division. As we look forward to the rest of Week 13’s contests, let’s check out some AFC items….
- Broncos cornerback Chris Harris has become one of the most unheralded elite defensive backs in the league, as Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com details. The timing of Harris’ impending free agency is inconvenient for the Broncos, who will also have to lock up Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas this offseason. Speaking to Legwold, one NFC personnel director offered the following evaluation of Harris: “He’s an upper-tier player, a top player, and somebody is going to pay him if [the Broncos] don’t.”
- The Jets should take a chance on Robert Griffin III, but not by trading for him, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. Costello wouldn’t deal for the embattled QB unless it’s for a rock-bottom bargain price, like a seventh-round pick. Instead, the Post scribe suggests that Gang Green should wait and see if Washington is forced to cut RGIII. Then, the Jets can draft a QB and have the rookie compete with Griffin and Geno Smith for two spots.
- In the midst of a lost season, the Jets are hoping to find another Wayne Chrebet, Costello writes. The beloved Jets receiver saw plenty of losing seasons during his time but he used those opportunities to establish himself as a key piece for the future.
- Earlier this month, we learned that a ruling on Ray Rice‘s suspension appeal was expected to happen by Thanksgiving weekend. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (video link) indicates that the decision still could come any day, including today, but it looks increasingly unlikely to happen this week. While the former Ravens running back would immediately be eligible to return to action if his suspension is overturned, teams may shy away from signing him this season.
Zach Links contributed to this post.