Fansided

5 NFL teams on upset alert in Week 8

By Cody Williams

Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Speaking of matchups that aren’t great, the fine people of London are being treated to yet another matchup of sub-par American football teams this week as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday. While the Chiefs have shown more promise at times than the Lions this season and probably should be favored by four points as they are, Kansas City could be in a bit of trouble this week.

The Lions defense isn’t exactly anything to be afraid of, but the Chiefs offense without Jamaal Charles isn’t exactly built to take advantage of that in a big way. Alex Smith is still going to be Captain Checkdown and that doesn’t strike fear in even the worst of defenses. Meanwhile, the Chiefs passing defense hasn’t been good thus far this season and Matthew Stafford and the Lions at least have the potential to take advantage of that with their passing attack.

However, the biggest reason why I like the Lions in this matchup as the underdogs is the fact that I see this Detroit team being galvanized by having a new look in the coaching staff after the firing of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and a slew of offensive line coaches. We don’t know what Jim Bob Cooter is capable of in terms of scheming the offense, but there’s a solid chance that Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and company rally behind the change and make good things happen in London.

Next: No. 2 New York Jets

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