2021 NFL Schedule: 3 key games for every AFC team in the regular season

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers

Inconsistency and injuries have cost the LA Chargers in recent NFL seasons. Now that they have a young, exciting QB in Justin Hebert, things are looking up in Los Angeles.

Here are three crucial matchups for the Chargers:

Week 3 - Sunday, September 26, at Kansas City Chiefs, 1.00 PM ET, CBS

What better way to show your divisional rivals that you mean business than by beating the AFC champion Chiefs at their own stadium? A Week-3 road victory for the Chargers would boost their NFL playoff hopes.

Week 8 - Sunday, October 31, New England Patriots, 4.05 PM ET, CBS

The Patriots are no longer the dominating force they once were, so the Chargers should fancy their chances of a win at home in this game.

Week 16 - Sunday, December 26, Houston Texans, 1.00 PM ET, CBS

Who knows what sort of team the Texans will have this NFL season? If Deshaun Watson is out for the year, the Chargers would be expected to win this home game.

Denver Broncos

Unless the Denver Broncos can trade for Aaron Rodgers, things could be tough for the team again this season. They’re in a difficult division, and it’s hard seeing them making the NFL playoffs.

Here are three key matchups for the Broncos this NFL season:

Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 PM ET, CBS

If the Broncos are going to win any road games this year, this is one of them. They have to like their chances against rookie QB Trevor Lawrence and the Jags.

Week 6 - Sunday, October 17, Las Vegas Raiders, 4.25 PM ET, CBS

The Raiders will venture to Mile High Stadium in Week 6 and look to win this game to remain in playoff reckoning.

Week 15 - Sunday, December 19, Cincinnati Bengals, 4.05 PM ET, CBS

A Week-15 home game against the Bengals is another must-win fixture for the Broncos.

Kansas City Chiefs

Defending AFC champions Kansas City Chiefs will look to make their third straight Super Bowl.

Let’s look at three key fixtures for the Chiefs this campaign:

Week 2 - Sunday, September 19, at Baltimore Ravens, 8.20 PM ET, NBC

A titanic AFC clash comes in Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season for the Chiefs, who will head to Baltimore for a game of Sunday night football. Mahomes and company will look to dominate the Ravens once again in prime time.

Week 9 - Sunday, November 7, Green Bay Packers, 4.25 PM ET, FOX

A dream matchup for NFL fans will take place in Week 9 when the Packers visit the Chiefs. Aaron Rodgers vs Patrick Mahomes should be must-see TV!

Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, at Denver Broncos, 4.25 PM ET, CBS

The Chiefs may need this road win to clinch the top seed in the AFC, so this matchup with the Broncos in Week 18 is a huge one for them.

Las Vegas Raiders

Week 1 - Monday, September 13, Baltimore Ravens, 8.15 PM ET, ESPN

The first regular game of the season is a big one for the Raiders, as they host AFC powerhouse Ravens on Monday Night. A first-up home win would set the tone for the Raiders’ 2021 campaign.

Week 6 - Sunday, October 17, at Denver Broncos, 4.25 PM ET, CBS

The Raiders will venture to Mile High Stadium in Week 6. It’s a road game they need to win to challenge for the NFL playoffs.

Week 18 - Sunday, January 9, Los Angeles Chargers, 4.25 PM ET, CBS

Their final regular-season game will see the Raiders lock horns against the visiting Chargers. It could prove to be a crucial fixture for the Las Vegas franchise if they wish to make the NFL postseason.